KATHMANDU:   Crown Prince Paras gave away the shield, cup and certificates to the winners of the 13th women’s and 23rd men’s national volleyball tournament amidst a special function held at the Dasharath Covered Hall on Tuesday.

The Crown Prince, who is the patron of Nepal Sports Council, also presented certificates to the officials, coaches and the best athletes of the tournament.

Princess Himani was also present on the occasion.

Their Royal Highnesses observed the final matches of both women’s and men’s event with keen interest.

In the women’s tournament, the Western Development region bagged the shield defeating Public Corporation Sports Association (PCSA) in straight sets of 25-18, 25-15, 25-17. The Central Development region was third in the tournament.

In the men’s tournament, Mahendra Police Club (MPC) bagged the 23rd men’s title defeating Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) in four sets 25-23, 24-26, 25-17 and 25-15. The Armed Police Force stood third.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Education and Sports Radha Krishna Mainali lauded the contribution of Royal Family for the development of sports in the country.

The tournament was organised as part of the selection process for the SAF Games to be held in Sri Lanka next year.

Saroj Shrestha of MPC was declared best players in men’s and category, while Manju Gurung of Western Development region was awarded the best player and skipper in the women’s category.

Likewise, Bharat Shah of MPC and Kopila Upreti of PCSA was declared the best blockers. Ram Chandra Kumal of TAC got the title of best skipper in the men’s group.

Pashupati Chaudhari of TAC and Laxmi Gurung of Western Development region was awarded the best setters.