National Game of Nepal

Volleyball is the national game of Nepal. It was officially declared as such on May 23, 2017. This sport is played and enjoyed by many people in Nepal, from the rural areas to the bustling cities.

From De Facto to Official

For decades, Dandi Biyo, a traditional stick-and-pin game, held the unofficial title of Nepal’s national game. Played in villages across the country, it embodied the spirit of community and playful competition. However, in 2017, volleyball officially claimed the throne, marking a significant shift in Nepal’s sporting landscape.

This decision wasn’t merely symbolic. Volleyball’s growing popularity, coupled with its international recognition, made it a strategic choice. The government aimed to boost Nepal’s presence on the global sporting stage and harness the game’s potential to unite the nation.

A Love Born in the Hills

Volleyball’s roots in Nepal trace back to the 1950s, introduced by returning Gurkha soldiers who had encountered the sport while stationed abroad. Initially confined to urban areas, it gradually spread through educational institutions and rural communities. The simple rules, minimal equipment requirements, and adaptability to diverse terrains made it accessible to all.

From makeshift nets strung between trees to dusty village squares, volleyball courts sprang up everywhere. Youngsters honed their skills, families cheered from the sidelines, and communities rallied around their local teams. Volleyball transcended age, gender, and social barriers, weaving itself into the fabric of Nepalese life.

Detail History of Volleyball in Nepal

Volleyball’s journey in Nepal has an interesting history, with its seeds being sown by foreign influence and then nurtured by local passion. Here’s a glimpse:

Early introduction (1900s – 1950s

• 1900s: British Gurkha soldiers are credited with introducing volleyball to Nepal in the early 20th century.
• 1940s: Students of Tri-Chandra College in Kathmandu are documented playing the sport in 1942, marking its community level presence.
• Spread beyond Kathmandu: Sporadic volleyball activity emerges in cities like Biratnagar, Dharan, and Pokhara, primarily within police and army circles.

Growth and formalization (1960s – 1990s)

• 1960s: Volleyball gains popularity in colleges and universities. National Sports Council distributes equipment across districts, promoting nationwide access.
• 1968: Nepal Volleyball Association (NVA) is formed to govern the sport and organize competitions.
• 1970s: Inter-college tournaments like Tribhuvan University’s become established. Japanese volunteers initiate volleyball training programs.
• 1980s: First National Games in 1982 recognize volleyball’s national significance. Continued development of national teams and competitions.

National sport and beyond (1990s – present)

• 1990s: Following the end of the Panchayat system, volleyball sees a surge in popularity nationwide. Increased investment in infrastructure and training.
• 21st century: NVA continues to organize national and international tournaments, striving to raise Nepal’s profile in the volleyball world.
• National Recognition: The discussion over volleyball as the national sport of Nepal began three years before 2017. On May 23, 2017, the Government of Nepal officially declared Volleyball as Nepal’s national sport, replacing Dandi Biyo.

How to Play Volleyball

Volleyball, played on a rectangular court with six players on each team, involves scoring points by grounding the ball on the opponent’s court. The game begins with a serve, and teams strive to score 25 points while being ahead by at least two points. Basic rules, such as hitting the ball three times, no consecutive hits by a player, and avoiding net contact, govern the game.

Basic Rules in Volleyball

Here’s a breakdown of volleyball’s basic rules:

1. Team Composition: A team comprises 6 players on the court simultaneously—3 in the front row and 3 in the back row. Substitutes can be introduced throughout the game.
2. Scoring: Points are earned on every serve for the winning team of the rally (rally-point scoring). The victorious team receives a point and takes on the role of the serving team for the next rally.
3. Ball Handling: Teams are allowed three hits before the ball must be returned. Consecutive hits by a single player (excluding blocks) are not allowed. Any part of the body can legally make contact with the ball.
4. Serving: The server must stand behind the baseline and can use either an overhand or underhand action, hitting the ball with their hand.
5. Rotation: Players rotate clockwise around the court in a predetermined order, dependent on the team in possession of the ball.
6. Winning the Game: Games are played to 25 points, with a requirement of a two-point lead. If the score reaches 24-24, the game continues until one team achieves a two-point advantage.
7. Court and Equipment: The court is rectangular, measuring 18m x 9m, with a 2.43m high net. The ball has an 8-inch diameter and weighs between 9 and 10 ounces.

These represent the fundamental rules. For more comprehensive regulations, official rulebooks from the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) should be consulted.

Developmental Strides and Challenges

The growth of volleyball in Nepal hasn’t been without hurdles. Financial constraints, limited infrastructure, and the need for grassroots development pose challenges. Despite these obstacles, proactive measures have been taken by the government and sports organizations. Specialized training centers, national and international tournaments, and media coverage have played pivotal roles in nurturing and promoting the sport.

Opportunities for Ascent

While challenges persist, volleyball in Nepal holds vast opportunities for further development. Increased government support, sponsorships, global exposure, and grassroots initiatives are essential components of the roadmap ahead. The sport’s impact on health, education, social cohesion, and national pride opens doors for collaborations and partnerships that can elevate volleyball’s status both nationally and internationally.

Nepal Volleyball Team’s Achievements

Women’s Team

ome key milestones:

1. Central Asian Volleyball Association Women’s Challenge Cup: The women’s team clinched gold medals in 2019 and 2021, along with a bronze medal in 2023.
2. South Asian Games: The women’s team earned bronze medals in 1999 and 2006, silver medals in 2010 and 2019, and another bronze medal in 2016.
3. AVC Asian Central Zone Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship: In 2019, the women’s team emerged victorious.
4. World Ranking: The Nepali women’s volleyball team achieved the 87th position in the world rankings released by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) on February 5, 2020.

Men’s Team

1. Asian Games: The team participated in the Asian Games in 1978, 1982, 1986, and 2018, securing the 15th and 12th positions.
2. AVC Central Zone Senior Men’s Volleyball Tournament: In 2015, 2016, and 2018, the team secured the 4th position, and in 2019, they achieved the 5th position¹.
3. South Asian Games: The team earned the 4th position in 2010 and the 5th position in 2016 and 2019.

Despite these accomplishments, the men’s team’s history is overshadowed by the women’s team, which secured gold and four bronze medals in nearly three decades of international play.

Other Popular Games in Nepal

While volleyball reigns as the national game, Nepal embraces a variety of sports, including cricket, football, badminton, table tennis, and basketball.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey of volleyball in Nepal reflects more than athletic achievements. It mirrors the resilience of a nation, overcoming challenges, and reaching for new heights. As Nepal’s volleyball story unfolds on the global stage, it carries the aspirations of a united people and the promise of positive transformation.

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