POKHARA, Feb 3: Srijana Invitational International Men's and Women's Volleyball Tournament is set to kick off on Saturday at Pokhara Stadium. The tournament being organized jointly by Western Region Volleyball Association and Kaski District Volleyball Association will feature six teams each in men's and women's categories. 

Departmental teams-Tribhuvan Army Club, Armed Police Force (APF), Nepal Police Club-alongside host Western Region, Help Nepal Sports Club and Uttar Volleyball Sangh (UVS) of India will take part in the men's category, informed Western Region Sports Development Committee (WRSDC)'s President Khagraj Poudel. Similarly, the women's category will feature New Diamond Academy, visiting team UVS alongside host Western Region and three departmental teams. 

The preparation for the tournament that will be played in league-cum-knockout format has been complete according to organizers. They also informed that special rubber mats have been laid on the volleyball ground of Pokhara Stadium to hold the matches. 

According to Poudel, temporary parapet with the capacity to hold 5000 spectators also has been constructed at the venue. 

The winner of the both categories will bag a purse of Rs 155,555 each while the runners-up will be rewarded with Rs 77,777 each. The teams finishing third in both the events will be given Rs 33,333 each. The best player of the tournament in the both men's and women's categories will be rewarded with Rs 10,000 each while best players in each position including spike, block, setter, defense and service will be awarded with Rs 5000 each. 

Srijana Development Center, a microfinance organization, is the sponsor of the tournament as it has provided Rs 700,000 to the organizers. 

In the inauguration match of the tournament on Saturday, Army will take on departmental rival APF in the men's category. 

 
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