The home team battled to a five-set victory over Sri Lanka after India earlier secured the title with straight sets 25-13, 25-6, 25-9 win over Bangladesh. Nepal appeared to be cruising for a straight sets victory after winning the first two sets 25-23, 25-22 but Sri Lanka forced their way back into game by levelling the tie by wining the next two sets 19-25, 14-25. The hosts however kept it cool in the decisive set to win the set 15-10. Winners India walked away with $2,000 while Nepal got $1,000 and Sri Lanka $5,000. TG Raju of India was adjudged the best player of the tournament and was rewarded with Rs 25,000.

Nepal captain Binita Budhathoki said: “Its remarkable to finish second as we had no idea whatsoever of our opponents. We were hoping for a third place initially but that target changed to second. It was astonishing fight we put in to win the second-place battle today. It was a good exposure for us.”

Nepal made a good start seizing the first two sets only for them to allow their opponents to get back into contention losing the next two sets. However, the Nepali girls pulled up their socks when it mattered the most. They took control of the final set early and Sri Lanka could only come close to the hosts at 9-10. Nepal then closed out the set and the match by winning the next five points while giving away just one.

Nepal coach Sudish Rimal praised his team for putting on a spirited performance. “The girls were playing their first international match in eight years and the way they performed throughout the tournament especially against Sri Lanka was exceptional,” said Rimal. Rimal also boasted that the women’s team has the calibre to compete in South Asian region provided they get proper training and exposure. Maldives finished fourth and Bangladesh, who lost all their four matches, ended up bottom of the five-team round robin championship.

Meanwhile, Nepali men’s team skipper Kailash Bhatta announced international retirement at the end of the tournament. Bhatta had led the Nepal team that secured third position in the first South Asian Volleyball Championship on home turf in July last year.

The 31-year-old represented Nepal in four international tournaments in his decade-long career. The Armed Police Force recruit said he had decided to retire in order to pave way for young players.

“Very few international tournaments come our way and I think its time for me to leave the stage and make way for new generation,” said Bhatta, who made his national team debut in 2002 during a friendly against Bangladesh.