South Asian Games 2019 Medal Tally: India clinches gold medal in men's and women's Volleyball final
India clinched the gold medal against Pakistan in the men's category of the Volleyball event of the South Asian Games 2019. The reigning gold-medalists with the likes of Ranjit Singh, Dipesh Sinha, and V Ajith Lal cruised over Pakistan comfortably with a 3-1 margin. Pakistan, who were the bronze medalist's of the 2016 edition, had to settle with the silver medal this year.
Pakistan shocked India by winning the first set in a crucial clash that ended 20-25. However, the Jerome Vinith-led Indian team announced their comeback in style, winning the second set by 25-15. Pakistan lost their momentum after a surprising first set win, as they got thrashed by India in the third set 25-17.
Pakistan tried their level best to knock the reigning champions but got edged in the fourth set after both teams ended on a 25-25 tie. India, with the experienced veterans in their line-up, put the final nail in the coffin with a 29-27 victory in the end.
On the other hand, India kept its nerves intact to clinch the gold medal against Nepal in the women's category of the Volleyball event in the ongoing 2019 South Asian Games. The hosts Nepal, who were bronze medalists of the 2016 edition, had to settle with the silver this year courtesy of an epic comeback by India as the former lost by a 2-3 margin.
The Indian women's team clinched the first set in a thrilling fashion 25-17 over the Nepali side. However, Aruna Shahi-led Nepal stamped a comeback in favor of the hosts to win the second set 23-25.
The Indian team that looked dominant throughout the competition seemed to lose their momentum, as the apprehension cost them the third set 21-25. Both sides fought neck to neck as India tried to save the match in the fourth set. India's extended the lead to five points in the fourth set, as the margin read 25-20 in favor of the reigning gold-medalists.
In the fifth set, India extended their lead of points right from the start, giving no chances to Nepal to compete. The reigning champions won the fifth and the final set 6-15 to win the match.