By Sachit Subba • Volleyball • May 10, 2026 13:20 PM • 33 views
KATHMANDU — Jagdish Bhatta has been named head coach of Nepal’s national women’s volleyball team as the country targets success in next month’s CAVA Women’s Volleyball Championship.
During Bhatta’s previous tenure, Nepal won two Central Zone titles and a silver medal at the 13th South Asian Games (SAG). His experience is expected to provide stability as the team undergoes a leadership transition. Regular captain Aruna Shahi is currently abroad and will miss the tournament, so the NVA will appoint a new captain soon.
The Road to the Title: Squad and Stakes
The association has selected a 16-player preliminary squad, which will be reduced to a final 14-member roster after a closed training camp. The current lineup includes both experienced players and emerging talent:
Liberos: Salina Shrestha and Shanti Tamang.
Blockers: Sumitra Regmi, Sunita Khatri, Basanti Saud, and Alisha Manandhar.
Spikers: Niruta Thagunna, Usha Bhandari, Salina Budha Magar, Laxmi Saud, Kamana Bista, Rima Kunwar, Mina Sunar, and Aarti Subedi.
Setters: Pragati Nath and Jashna Mahato.
This year’s CAVA Championship, scheduled for May 22 to May 29 (Jestha 8–15) at the National Sports Council’s Covered Hall, will feature eight national teams. India and Kazakhstan are expected to be Nepal’s main competitors, along with teams from Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.
Institutional Backing and Silverware
The NVA unveiled the championship trophy this week in a ceremony led by President Jitendra Bahadur Chand. The tournament has received significant institutional support, with the Nepal Government contributing NPR 10 million and Kathmandu Metropolitan City providing an additional NPR 3 million.
As the host nation, Nepal faces both high expectations and the pursuit of important ranking points. With Bhatta’s leadership and a motivated squad, Nepal is prepared for a competitive tournament in Kathmandu.
