Nepal Police Club clinched the first Sanjay Memorial National Women's Beach Volleyball Tournament defeating Lumbini in Palpa on Saturday.

Police's pair Kamala Pun and Manisha Chaudhary registered a straight set victory of 21-8, 21-17 over Lumbini's duo of Bhawana Dangi and Saraswati Kattel at Ranimahal.

The departmental team coached by former Nepal international and Police captain Kopila Uprety maintained a perfect record winning all four matches–not losing a single set en-route to the title.

It was also Uprety's first assignment as coach. "I am elated to win the trophy in my very first assignment as coach. The girls played well and Pun was outstanding," said Uprety. "I hope to do my best if I am given more coaching opportunities in full court games in the future."

Uprety also added that the experience of their players was key in their run to the title. "Pun and Chaudhary have experience in beach volleyball, which worked to our advantage. Though the first set was quite comfortable, the opponents gave us a remarkable fight in the next set," Uprety added.

Sudurpaschim Province edged Gandaki Province in the third-place honours match. Sudurpaschim's duo of Bhagrathi Joshi and Babita Bohara defeated Gandaki's Pabitra BC and Rebina Gharti Magar 21-12, 21-17.

Winners Police bagged a purse of Rs100,000 along with trophies, medals and certificates while runners-up Lumbini collected Rs50,000. Third-place finishers Sudurpaschim walked away with a purse of Rs30,000. Police’s Pun was declared the best player of the tournament and received Rs20,000 and a trophy.

Former governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Chiranjeevi Nepal, Sanjay Memorial Foundation President Niroj Maskey and actor Dhiren Shakya among others distributed the prizes.

The three-day tournament featured nine teams including seven provincial sides along with Police and Armed Police Force. The event was organised by Sanjay Memorial Foundation.

National captain Shahi, Upreti feted

PALPA: National women's volleyball team captain Aruna Shahi and Nepal Police Club coach Kopila Upreti, also former national team member, were feted during the closing ceremony of Sanjay Memorial National Women's Beach Volleyball Tournament on Saturday.

The duo were given Rs15,000 each by tournament organiser Sanjay Memorial Foundation along with a certificate of appreciation.

Pun, who hails from Myagdi, captained the team to silver medal in the 13th South Asian Games in 2019 and gold medal in Asian Central Zone Women's volleyball championship earlier this year.

Uprety is one of the most successful players in domestic volleyball having won several national titles. She has also claimed medals in international beach volleyball tournaments as a player.