Sterling display by the Indian spikers and hoopsters ensured final berths at the 11th South Asian Games here on Wednesday.
The Indian volleyball teamwas stretched by Maldives in the first set. Once the Indians got into rhythm, it was a one-way traffic as the semifinal contest ended in just 64 minutes in straight sets.
Trailing initially, Indians caught up at 17-all before producing some powerful smashes. India’s Sanjay Kumar reeled of seven points with his services to win the set at 25-21. Maldives’ resistance ended there as the next two sets were swept by India at 25-12 and 25-14.
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Pakistan won its semifinal against Sri Lanka at 26-24, 25-21, 25-19 and will challenge the defending champion in Thursday’s final.
The Indian cagers will square up against Afghanistan in the final of the basketball event. In the semifinals, India outplayed Bangladesh 96-54 while Afghanistan outclassed Nepal 107-34. Afghanistan had beaten India in the league phase.
Bangladesh will be India’s semifinal opponent in the men’s football event. The host edged out Maldives through a Zahid Hossain strike at the stroke of half time.
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India also moved into the men’s and women’s kabaddi final. India downed Bangladesh 34-11 in its final league game. Pakistan will be India’s opponent after it beat Nepal 44-16.
The Indian women will play Bangladesh in the final after topping the group league. India lost to Pakistan in the men’s handball group league yet advanced as No. 2 from the group. India will play Bangladesh in the semifinals while Pakistan will be challenged by Nepal.