Gold for Indian boxers, women’s football and men spikers
By IANSMonday, February 8, 2010
DHAKA - Indian boxers, and women’s soccer and men’s volleyball teams won gold medals in the ongoing 11th South Asian Games here Monday.
The women’s soccer team, which was struck off the FIFA rankings last year due to lack of international appearances, won 3-1 against Nepal in the final at Bangabandhu Stadium.
In boxing, India’s male pugilists Amandeep Singh (48 kg), Suranjoy Singh (51 kg) and Chhote Lal (57 kg) won the yellow metal. Amandeep defeated Mohammed Arif of Afghanistan 7-2 to win the gold. Suranjoy outclassed Mohammed Wazim of Pakistan 11-4 in the 51 kg final and Chhote Lal beat local boy Mohammed Fayzal Mullah 6-2.
At the packed Bangabandhu Stadium, Nepal took the lead but India came back strongly to level the terms when Bembem Devi converted from the penalty as first half ended 1-1.
In the second half, India pressed on the accelerator and scored two more goals through Naobi Chanu to register a historic win. India were unbeaten in all their five matches and scored 29 goals. India were also awarded the Fair Play trophy.
The Indian men defended their volleyball gold medal defeating Pakistan 3-1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-14, 25-16) in the final at the Mirpur Shaheed Sohrawardy Indoor Stadium.
Subba Rao, Ukkara Pandian Sanjay Kumar, Naveen Raja Jacob and Srikanth were the stars of the show. Subba Rao played extraordinarily in blocking while Ukkara Pandian created some excellent set-ups and adding to the game plan were some extraordinary counter attacks by Naveen Raja Jacob and Srikanth which enabled the team to win by a formidable margin.
The Volleyball Federation of India announced a cash prize of Rs.1.5 million for the team.
