Kathmandu, July 19:The arrival of Russia’s women’s volleyball team, one of the world’s best, for two friendly matches against Nepal is a milestone for the country that looks forward to challenging the world in its national sport. Volleyball, a sport popular across Nepal for decades, was declared the national game of Nepal in 2017.

Nepal and Russia are playing two friendlies on July 21 (5 pm local time) and July 22 (4:15 pm local time) at the covered hall in Dasharath Stadium. 

While Nepal has not been able to get inducted in the new World Women’s Team Ranking system by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) implemented in 2019, Russia ranked 8th until 2021. Russia’s ranking is not visible currently following the suspension by the FIVB in 2022. 

Based on the new system, only 77 of the 222 member countries are positioned in the world rankings.

“One of the best volleyball teams, led by one of the best coaches in the world, is coming to Nepal for two friendlies. It is a great opportunity for the women’s team who have already proved their abilities in the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Women’s Challenge Cup and South Asian Games,” said Jitendra Bahadur Chand, NVA’s Chairperson.

Italian-born Sergio Busato is the Russian women’s volleyball head coach and has been involved in Russia’s volleyball for the past two decades. As reported by The Russian News Agency TASS, Busato was also involved when the Russian national men’s volleyball team won the gold at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. “One of the other benefits for the country’s volleyball is that the national teams will train under Busato for 10-12 days after the friendlies. He will facilitate as a consultant,” Chand told The Rising Nepal.

Nepal is also hosting the CAVA Women’s Nations League in the first week of August and the friendlies against Russia are expected to be a great preparation for the tournament. 

Despite not receiving the necessary support from the government, the NVA has often been criticised for being unable to improve the national teams. However, organising the friendly matches against Russia shows that the NVA is doing everything in its power to keep the national game active.

“Other than best wishes for the matches, we have not received any other support from the government. We are searching for resources to organise the friendlies properly as we want to utilise this opportunity to the utmost. We are thankful to the Russian authorities for coming to Nepal,” said Chand. The Embassy of Russia in Nepal has also shared joy as the two friendlies are at the doorsteps. 

Calling Nepali volleyball fans to witness the friendlies, the Embassy, on its Facebook on Thursday, posted an appealing video captioned, “Get ready for an electrifying display of athleticism and sportsmanship as the national female volleyball teams of Russia and Nepal face off…Don’t miss this chance to witness top-tier volleyball in an unforgettable international showdown.”