India spikers clinch gold at 2nd Asian Central Zone Championship

Islamabad, June 25 (UNI) Indian spikers blanked Maldives 3-0 to register their fifth consecutive win and thereby clinch gold at the second Asian Central Zone Volleyball Championship here today.

The new look Indian team followed up their win against Turkmenistan yesterday, with a 25-13, 25-14 and 25-12 thrashing for Maldives.

The Iranian team, which beat India in the opening game, incidentally the only match India lost, bagged the second position while Kazakhstan pocketed the bronze.

The Indians also swept other awards on offer with Ukkrapandian gettig the best Setter award and best Blocker award going to Sube Singh.

In the other matches played today, Sri Lanka got the better of Turkmenistan 25-17, 25-14 and 25-17.

Following the opening match disappointment against Iran on June 19, the India team rallied back brilliantly to win five successive matches against Sri Lanka (June 21), Kazakhstan (June 22), hosts Pakistan (June 23), Turkmenistan (June 24) and today's match against Maldives.

UNI