Khaira Club Punjab and Nepal Police Club Open with Victories in Madan Bhandari Cup

13 Ashoj, Butwal – India’s Khaira Volleyball Club Punjab and the departmental team Nepal Police Club have started on a winning note in the second edition of the Madan Bhandari Cup International Invitational Running Shield Men’s Volleyball Competition. Organized by the Madan Bhandari Sports Academy, the tournament’s Group ‘A’ match on Tuesday at the Butwal International Conference Center saw Khaira Club Punjab defeat Manimukund Volleyball Club in a commanding 3–1 set victory.

Khaira Club secured the first set 26–24 and the second set 25–18 comfortably. Although Manimukund claimed the third set 25–22, Khaira Club bounced back to win the fourth set 25–20, clinching the match.

In another match, Nepal Police Club defeated Sri Lanka Police Club in straight sets, 3–0, with set scores of 25–23, 25–21, and 25–20. Meanwhile, in Group ‘B’, Galkot Volleyball Club was disqualified for failing to appear on time for their match. Following Galkot’s disqualification, seven teams remain in the tournament.

The tournament was inaugurated by former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, who emphasized that events like this provide Nepali athletes with valuable international competitive experience.

Dhruv Acharya, President of the Madan Bhandari Sports Academy, stated that the academy prioritizes sports by organizing competitions ranging from school level to international events. He added that hosting an international volleyball tournament in Butwal not only promotes competition but also contributes to the development of sports tourism in the region.

The competition will run until Ashoj 17. Group ‘A’ includes Khaira Club Punjab, Sri Lanka Police Club, Nepal Police Club, and Manimukund Volleyball Club. Group ‘B’ features Sabapokhari Volleyball Club, India’s Gujarat Sporting Club, and Nepal APF Club. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, with the winners of the semifinals competing for the title.