International Volleyball Returns to Kathmandu as CAVA Women’s Championship Kicks Off
KATHMANDU – The thrilling atmosphere of international women’s volleyball is set to grip Kathmandu once again.
Starting Friday, eight nations, including the host country Nepal, will battle it out for the title in the highly anticipated CAVA Women’s Volleyball Championship. With the advantage of a passionate home crowd, a balanced mix of youth and experience, and a confidence boost from recent international tournaments, all eyes are on Team Nepal this time around.
The Groups and the Big Opener
The participating teams have been divided into two competitive pools:
| Group A | Group B |
| Nepal | Iran |
| India | Kazakhstan |
| Kyrgyzstan | Sri Lanka |
| Maldives | Bangladesh |
Nepal will launch its campaign in a high-stakes opener against the defending champions, India, on Jestha 8. Given the fierce regional rivalry, the clash between Nepal and India is already being hailed as the most attractive and anticipated fixture of the tournament's group stage.
Team Captains Express Confidence Ahead of the Opener
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Thursday, Nepal’s newly appointed captain, Niruta Thagunna, emphasised how much the home crowd means to the squad. Leading the national team for the first time, Thagunna noted that the coordination between the veteran and younger players is excellent, and the team is primed for a strong performance.
"Playing in front of our home crowd gives the players an incredible energy boost. Our preparation has been solid, and we are aiming for a positive start to the tournament," Thagunna said.
Meanwhile, Nandana, the captain of the defending champions, India, acknowledged that while their preparation time was short, the squad has arrived in Kathmandu with the sole objective of retaining their title. She added that competition among South Asian teams has grown significantly tougher in recent years.
Similarly, Kazakhstan’s captain, Natalia, stated that despite limited preparation, her team is stepping onto the court with their eyes firmly set on winning the championship.
A True Test of Popularity and Potential
In recent years, the popularity of women’s volleyball in Nepal has surged drastically. The enthusiastic presence of local fans during international home matches is expected to give the Nepali team an extra edge and a massive boost in confidence.
Because of this immense support, this edition of the CAVA Women’s Championship is being viewed as more than just a race for the trophy—it is a testament to the rising popularity and bright future of women’s volleyball in Nepal.
Write A Comment