By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – The Nepal Volleyball Association (NVA) unveiled the trophy for the CAVA Women’s Volleyball Challenge Cup 2023 at a program held in the capital on Monday.
The CAVA Challenge Cup, which is set to take place at the Nepal Sports Council (NSC) covered hall from May 22 to 28, will feature eight teams from Central Asia competing for the coveted trophy.
During the ceremony, NSC Member Secretary Tanka Lal Ghising unveiled the trophy in the presence of NVA President Jitendra Bahadur Chand, Vice-President Gautam Lasiwa, Tournament Advisor & Former International Volleyball player Min Dhwaj Khadka, Women’s Team Head Coach Jan De Brandt, Women’s Team Skipper Aruna Shahi, and other dignitaries.
Member Secretary Ghising expressed his best wishes to the team and boosted the morale of the women’s team to complete the hat-trick title at home. Nepal had won the two previous editions of the tournament and Ghising encouraged the team to keep the trophy at home by clinching the title.
“History has given us another chance. The Nepali women’s team is really capable. The opportunity to score a hat-trick has arrived,” said Member Secretary Ghising. “We have got the opportunity to keep the trophy home with us. That moment has arrived. I am confident that we can clinch the title.” Ghising added.
Nepal and India find themselves in Group ‘A’, alongside Bangladesh and Kyrgyzstan. Meanwhile, Group ‘B’ includes Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Kazakhstan.
Preliminary Squad:
Aruna Shahi (Gandaki), Saraswati Chaudhary (APF), Niruta Thagunna (APF), Kabita Bhatta (APF), Puja Chaudhary (APF), Pratibha Mali (NDA), Salina Shrestha (NDA), Pragati Nath (NDA), Rima Kunwar (NDA), Kripa Adhikari (TAC), Safiya Pun (TAC), Saraswati Jaishi (TAC), Sangam Mahato (TAC), Usha Bhandari (NPC), Kamana Bista (NPC), Punam Chand (NPC), Shantikala Tamang (NPC).
