Nepal’s Natural Journey to Semifinals; Coach Says Team Is Ready Regardless of Opponent

May 23, Kathmandu – Nepal defeated Maldives in straight sets to reach the semifinals of the Kavha Women’s Volleyball Championship.

Despite a close five-set loss to familiar rival India in their first Group A match, Nepal bounced back with consecutive wins and became the first team from the group to qualify for the semifinals.

On Saturday, Nepal earned its first victory by beating Kyrgyzstan 3-0. Following another 3-0 win against Maldives as expected, Nepal amassed seven points.

After the India vs. Kyrgyzstan match on Monday, the second semifinalist from this group will be determined along with the group winner and runner-up placement. If India defeats Kyrgyzstan, India will top Group A and Nepal will be the runner-up. However, if Kyrgyzstan upsets India, Nepal will claim the top spot with Kyrgyzstan as runner-up.

In the last Group A match held at the Dashrath Rangashala Covered Hall in Tripureshwar on Sunday, Nepal defeated Maldives by 25-12, 25-9, 25-20.

Nepal’s captain Niruta Thagunna attempted to regain her earlier rhythm, supported well by Sumitra Regmi and other teammates.

Niruta, playing the first two sets, scored the highest 14 points. Sumitra played all three sets contributing 11 points, while Salina Budha Magar, who played in the second and third sets, added eight points.

Head coach Jagadish Bhatt gave playing time to all players after securing semifinal qualification.

“We planned to give all players an opportunity until we achieved solid gameplay. Since Salina (the libero) needed rest, she did not play, but all others got their chance,” Bhatt said at a post-match press conference. “We have prepared everyone for the semifinals based on the matches so far and will implement that strategy in the semifinal.”

Middle blocker Alisha Manandhar made her debut for the national team in this game. This season, six new players joined the senior team—five debuted in the first match against India, and Alisha saw her debut in the third game.

Although Maldives posed some challenge in the first set, Nepal took an early lead with captain Niruta’s outstanding performance and won the set easily. Nepal faced little difficulty securing the second set. With more bench players getting court time in the third set, Maldives managed to score some points as well.

Captain Niruta was named Player of the Match for her excellent performance.

Having completed all three group stage matches, Nepal will rest for three days before playing the semifinal on May 28.

Coach Bhatt stated that the extended rest period will provide an opportunity to prepare strategies and correct mistakes before the semifinal. “We have three days to rest before the semifinal. We will prepare a strategy for the semifinal opponent and approach it with a winning mindset,” he said.

Bhatt cited examples from the World Cup where major teams lost their opening matches but ultimately won the title, emphasizing Nepal’s readiness against any semifinal team.

“Even after losing the first match, there is much to learn. Big teams have lost to new teams yet went on to win the World Cup. Though some may be doubtful, our team is not the weakest among the four semifinalists,” said Bhatt. “The team that executes its plan with a strong performance will achieve results, and we possess that capability. Any shortcomings will be covered by the support of our fans.”

Facing teams with better reach and extensive experience, Bhatt stressed the importance of going into the semifinal with a winning mentality.

“In the semifinals, we will face players with greater reach, speed, and experience. We will focus on blocking and serving drills over 2-3 days and keep our winning mindset and motivation strong,” he said.

Kazakhstan and Iran have played in various competitions from Asian level to Kavha and bring substantial experience, so Bhatt believes it will not matter which team Nepal faces in the semifinals.