BHUBANESWAR 18-Oct-2013 174
A 12-member Utkal University team returned home today after emerging champions in the Central Zone Inter-University Volleyball (Men) Tournament, which concluded at Laxmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior (MP) two days ago.
Led by Ashirbad Sahani, Utkal clinched the title in style, trouncing Satvahana University, Karimnagar (AP) in the final by 3-0 sets. With the title triumph, Utkal qualified for the All-India Inter-University Tournament, scheduled to be held at Shivaji University, Kolhapur (Maharastra) in January, 2014.
Utkal started their campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad. They got walkover in the next match against North Odisha University, Baripada to enter the semifinals, where they trounced Devi Ahilya University, Indore 3-0.
UTKAL TEAM: Ashribad Sahani (captain), Tanmaya Swain, Anil Kumar Swain, Sakiv Khan, Asit Kumar Rout, Akshaya Kumar Mishra, Jitendra Kumar Behera, Dipak Kumar Sahoo, Rajkishore Pati, Oeb Khan, Priayabrata Prusty, Narottam Panda. Coach: Bairagi Charan Bala; Manager: Dakshayabrahma Routray.
