Nepal’s first-ever franchise volleyball tournament, the Everest Women’s Volleyball League (EWVL) 2024, begins today, with six teams competing in the event. The league, organised by Infinity Dreams, will be held at the covered hall of Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwor until October 5.
The participating franchise teams are Madhesh United, Kathmandu Spikers, Lalitpur Queens, Chitwan Shakti, Gandaki Thunders, and Karnali Yeswas. Each team features three foreign players, making the competition highly anticipated among volleyball enthusiasts in Nepal and abroad.
Opening matches
The opening match will see Kathmandu Spikers face off against Lalitpur Queens at 3:45 pm.
This will be preceded by the opening ceremony at 2:30 pm. In the evening, Madhesh United will take on Karnali Yeswas at 5:45 pm, followed by Chitwan Shakti playing against Gandaki Thunders at 7:45 pm.
Format and Players
The league’s unique aspect lies in the inclusion of foreign players in every team, totalling 18 across all six teams. Each team consists of 12 players, including one player selected from talent hunts, creating a mix of experienced and emerging talent. Teams have signed players with pre-determined salaries based on player categories, ensuring equal pay distribution.
In the past, local volleyball tournaments featured matches between departmental teams and other clubs, occasionally including Indian players. However, in this league, players were selected through a draft system, with each team having one marquee player, most of whom also serve as team captains. Players from countries like the USA, Russia, India, and Thailand have joined the league, drawing international attention.
Expectations and challenges
Coaches and captains are excited about the competition, emphasizing the role foreign players will play. The combination of foreign and local players is expected to determine each team’s success. Many teams have had limited preparation time, but they have practised integrating Nepali and foreign players. With the height advantage of many foreign players, their inclusion could be a game-changer in the league.
Team Insights:
- Kathmandu Spikers’ coach Jagadish Bhatt, also the head coach of Nepal’s national women’s volleyball team, mentioned that the EWVL will be more competitive than previous tournaments, with every team having foreign players.
- Bharat Yadav, the head coach of Madhesh United, emphasised the learning opportunity for Nepali players and the league’s role in promoting volleyball in Nepal.
- Gandaki Thunders’ head coach Rupesh Bista, who recently led Nepal Police Club to victory in the KAVA Women’s Volleyball Club Championship, expects an exciting tournament due to the presence of foreign players.
Excitement among players
Marquee players like Usha Bhandari from Kathmandu Spikers, Niruta Thagunna from Madhesh United, and Saraswati Chaudhary from Gandaki Thunders expressed their excitement about playing alongside foreign players, seeing it as an opportunity to improve and bring new strategies to the national team.
The EWVL 2024 features the highest number of foreign players from India (4), followed by players from Russia, Turkey, and Thailand (3 each). Players from the USA, Bulgaria, Tunisia, Greece, and Kazakhstan are also participating, making this league a melting pot of talent from different volleyball cultures.
Foreign players in each team
- Madhesh United: Kalinova Yevgeniya (Kazakhstan, Outside Hitter), Yosro Jeramdini (Tunisia, Middle Blocker), Jini Khovat (India, Setter)
- Kathmandu Spikers: Andre Tisetanova (Bulgaria, Setter), Pelin Erokta (Turkey, Opposite Hitter), Fulden Ural (Turkey, Outside Hitter)
- Lalitpur Queens: Sutadta Chuewulim (Thailand, Outside Hitter), Patratip Santrakun (Thailand, Setter), Waranya Srilaong (Thailand, Outside Hitter)
- Chitwan Shakti: Surya (India, Middle Blocker), KP Anushree (India, Outside Hitter), Anna Dimitrivha (Russia, Middle Blocker)
- Gandaki Thunders: Elisa Trubaek (Russia, Outside Hitter), Ekaterina Jyanintseva (Russia, Outside Hitter), Shilpa Sindh (India, Middle Blocker)
- Karnali Yeswas: Gabriele Benda (USA, Setter), Athanasia Liegki (Greece, Opposite Hitter), Jenep Oturan (Turkey, Outside Hitter)
The presence of these international players will offer Nepali athletes a chance to learn from different playing styles, and audiences will witness an exciting mix of local and international volleyball talent.
