Kerala U-17 boys were stretched to the limit by Tamil Nadu before the former staged a brilliant fightback in the volleyball decider to win the match at the Khelo India Youth Games.
Two sets up and looking to clinch the league tie, Kerala was swept aside by their rivals in the third and fourth sets. However, Kerala managed to hold its nerves to clinch the match 25-21, 30-28, 18-25, 18-25, 16-14.
Kerala won points at vital stages in the decider with power-packed smashes by the attackers and cheeky drops by the setter.
Tamil Nadu players’ body language changed after taking the third set, while the fourth saw Kerala giving away points by committing unforced errors. However, Kerala regrouped and its spikers got back the rhythm and confidence.
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Tamil Nadu coach Mahesh Kumar pointed out that co-ordination needed to improve and sounded confident of tackling the threat when it faces an aggressive Rajasthan.
“Seven regulars are not present here, they are playing the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) Nationals in Andhra Pradesh. Co-ordination and first pass was priority during the preparation camp, more work needs to be done, “said the coach.
Weightlifters Darshini, Rudra show might
Tamil Nadu's S. Darshini (girls U-21 81kg category) and S. Rudra Mayan (boys u-17 102kg) were impressive in weightlifting competition by clinching gold medals.
The former managed a total lift of 192kgs (snatch 85, clean and jerk 107kg) to grab the gold medal. The latter was in a class of his own with a total lift of 269kgs (snatch 118kg, clean and jerk 151kg) to bite the yellow metal.
Others winners were Vaishnavi Pawar of Maharashtra (girls U-17 81kg) 114 total lift, Muskan Singh of Haryana (girls U-17 81kg) 135, Pushpendra Singh Chaudhar of UP (boys U-17 102kg) 254, B. Vishnu Vardhan of AP (boys u-21 102kg) 279.
Boxer Shashi stuns Sakshi
Shashi Chopra, former world youth champion stunned Sakshi Choudhary, current world youth champion in girls U-21 57kg bout in the first round at the Balewadi indoor stadium. The former moved into the featherweight quarterfinals with a 3-2 verdict over her in-form rival.
Both represent Haryana, though from different districts. Hissar-based Shashi used her reach and experience to overcome the firepower from Bhiwani girl Sakshi.
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