‘Specially abled’ Lankans trounce India
City hosts final of ‘Friendly International Volleyball Match for Disabled’
In an outstanding performance, Srilanka overcame India to win the ‘Friendly Volleyball Match for Disabled’ between the two teams held at the Chamundi Vihar Indoor Stadium here on Saturday.
In a thrilling four-set match, Srilanka defeated the hosts by 27-29, 25-15, 28-26 and 25-22 in one hour and 55 minutes in the third and final match of the tournament.
The friendly match was organised by the Paralympic Volleyball Federation of India and Department of Youth Services and Sports.
The teams comprising specially abled players gave away little about their disabilities as they served and smashed all across the volleyball court.
The first set saw Indians taking the lead with amazing performances by captain Anthonappa S, Ashok Babu, Balakrishna, Sathish, Nagaraju P and Ullas Anthony.
Expert drops by Ashok Babu misguiding the defence duo of Jayarathna and Chandana helped the hosts clinch the first set.
Nagaraju left the crowd amazed with his one-handed blocks and smashes.
The resurgent Srilankans held the ground in the second set by 25-15. The team saw excellent serves from Rajanikanth N and co-ordinated defence between Jayarathna and Chandana.
The third set saw the Indians get off to a shoddy start and miscommunication between players ruining their chances.
However, the hosts later put up a good fight and the scores read 24-24. Finally, the determination of the Lankans ensured they grabbed victory and picked up a lead of 2-1.
The improved allround performance of the Lankans ensured that they won the final set and clinched the trophy.
Earlier speaking to media persons, Para-Olympic Volleyball Federation of India National President Chandrashekar said that a proposal has been given to the Mysore Mayor for conducting a national volleyball championship for the specially abled here in February.
He said that around 15 teams from across the country will participate in the tourney.
Also the Indian team is expected to participate in a tournament to be held in Srilanka for all South Asian countries.
He said that despite India ending fourth in the Specially Abled World Cup held in Cambodia in 2008, the infrastructure available is very less.
