CAVA Women’s Volleyball Nations League Nepal ready to make use of home advantage

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug,1: Nepal is ready to make use of the home-court advantage as the national women's volleyball team aims for the CAVA Women’s Volleyball Nations League title.

The league kicks off at the covered hall of Dasarath Rangasla on Thursday. Along with host Nepal, Defending champion India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Iran are in the fray for the title.  Nepal’s captain Aruna Shahi said her girls are ready for the home exploit. “We are well prepared. We have learned a lot from the two-month-long training and the friendly matches with the Russian team. 

“As we are facing strong and experienced teams, winning a title will not be that easy. However, our focus will be on the title.”

The major threat for Nepal comes from India and Iran, who are ranked 57th and 63rd in the FIVB Women’s ranking. 

Coach Jagadish Bhatta stated that Nepal has performed very well throughout CAVA's history. "Maintaining this level presents a challenge, but the players are working hard and focusing on winning the title."

Nepal emerged victorious in the first and second editions of the league in 2019 and 2021, respectively, while India clinched the title in the third edition in 2023.

"This time there is a more experienced and strong team. The tournament will not be a cup of tea. We hope the support of home fans will push us ahead," Coach said. 

Minister for Youth and Sports Teju Lal Chaudhari will be inaugurating the opening match on August 1 (Thursday). 

Nepal takes on Sri Lanka in the league opener followed by India vs Iran in the evening match. 

The host will face the neighbour India in the first match on Day 2 followed by Iran vs Maldives. Nepal has a break on August 3 as Sri Lanka faces Iran and India faces Maldives. Nepal returns to action on Day 4 against the Maldives while the day will be opened by India vs Sri Lanka. On Day 5, the league stage ends with Sri Lanka vs Maldives and Iran facing Nepal. 

As per the fixtures, the semi-finals will be played between the first and fourth-positioned teams and the second and third-positioned teams. 

The winners in the respective matches progress to the final and the losers will play the third-place play-off on August 7.Squad: Aruna Shahi (captain), Saraswoti Chaudhary, Salina Shrestha, Saphia Pun, Niruta Thagunna, Sangam Mahato, Punam Chand, Kamana Bista, Usha Bhandari, Shanti Kala Tamang, Kabita Bhatta, Pragati Nath, Sumitra Regmi, Arati Subedi.