DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 11 -- THE 26th edition of the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere International Volleyball Tournament got off to an energetic start yesterday at the Mwembeyanga grounds, delivering a thrilling showcase of skill and talent.

In the womens category, hosts JKT and Nyika made emphatic statements with commanding victories in their opening matches.

JKT swept past Star Girls with a clean 3-0 win, while Nyika matched the result in the days curtain-raiser against Chui.

Organised by the Tanzania Volleyball Federation (TVF), the prestigious tournament has drawn top teams from across four East and Central African countries, including regional volleyball heavyweights Kenya, Zambia, Burundi and host Tanzania.

The womens category features five...