In a pulsating encounter, Chennai surprised the packed crowd with a win in the first set, awakening HSIDC from their slumber.
The next three sets were sheer exhibits of the superiority of the Haryana lads over their counterparts with powerful display of smashes, passing which left Chennai searching for answers that did not come. The result, HSIDC won 18-25, 25-18, 25-19, 25-17
HSIDC were richer with a purse of one lakh and the winners trophy while Indian Bank were awarded Rs 60,000.
Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza was the chief guest and gave away the prizes along with the Mayor of Panjim Subham Chodankar in the presence of MLA Rajan Naik, GFA president and chairman of Cuncolim Union Elvis Gomes; Goa Volleyball Association president Irwin Soares, treasurer Santosh Bandodkar and Shamsunder Tari, Catholic Syrian Bank’s senior manager Abhilesh Thomas, Waman Tari SP (retd).
Speaking on the occasion, D’Souza praised the efforts and the hard work of the Cuncolim Union in keeping the once upon a time vibrant volleyball tradition alive in the State. “The presence of top Indian teams and that too away from the main cities of Goa, in an open arena goes to show that the profile of the tournament is growing. I will see that the government gives assistance in case Goa bags the Volleyball Federation Cup and Cuncolim can certainly be a main venue,” said D’Souza.
The GVA President said that the Cuncolim Union organized all-India Volleyball Championship was of a very high standard and would help Goa bag the prestigious volleyball tournaments from the National Federation. He complimented the entire team from Cuncolim Union and called them partners of GVA in the progress. President of Cuncolim Union Prakash Dessai also spoke. Aristo D’Souza, secretary propped the vote of thanks.
