Forehand lead

Govindraj Nepal
1 Jestha, Kathmandu. Niruta Thagunna has been appointed the new captain of the Nepal national women's volleyball team. The Nepal Volleyball Association's 69th Central Working Committee meeting announced the 28-year-old outside hitter Niruta as the team captain for the upcoming CAVA Women's Volleyball Championship[1].

Childhood and origins — from dusty ground to the spike

Niruta, from Dhuligada, Naugaad Rural Municipality–6 in Darchula, began her sporting life in athletics, competing in running and jumping events. During school she took part in the President's Running Shield and competed in various athletics events. Through the initiative of teacher Nil Awasthi, she was steered toward volleyball in her adolescence, and in the dusty village ground she showed determination by spiking barefoot. Photos and memories from those days laid the foundation for today's captain — where a lack of shoes did not mean a lack of desire.

Career turns — departmental teams, franchises and internationals

After performing locally, Niruta entered the departmental club system and was initially contracted by Tribhuvan Army Club. Under coach Jagadish Bhatt she progressed to the national team[2]. She debuted at the AVC Asian Central Zone Championship in Dhaka in 2019, where the team won gold, and since then she has maintained a steady national presence.

Niruta's impact at club level is also notable. She gained franchise leadership experience by captaining Madhesh United in the Everest Women’s Volleyball League, and Nepal Police Club's composed play led to a title at the CAVA Women's Volleyball Club Championship in the Maldives. Having represented all three departmental teams — Army, Police and APF — she has become an experienced figure in domestic competition both as a player and team leader.

The current decision: why Niruta?

The Nepal Volleyball Association confirmed Niruta's appointment as captain at the Central Working Committee meeting held on Jestha 1[1]. This appointment somewhat departs from usual practice — traditionally more experienced or long-serving members have been given the captaincy, but this time franchise experience, club performance and youthful leadership influenced the choice. Analysts note that regular captain Aruna Shahi's absence from training while she is abroad in Australia opened the way for a new captain selection[3].

Coaches and teammates trust Niruta's playing style — an aggressive outside hitter with range and ball-handling ability — will add attacking dynamism to the team. She is known as a player who emphasizes communication and team coordination both on and off the court.

From the coach's perspective — Jagadish Bhatt's voice

“Niruta is a player who is always prepared in practice and mindset. She not only has physical strength but also the spirit to push the team forward,” said Jagadish Bhatt. He added, “The captaincy will make her even more responsible; but Niruta has shown the ability to comfortably adapt to group management and tactical modifications.”

A former national player/analyst said, “This decision signals encouragement for young leadership. Franchise leagues have taught players how to lead and handle media pressure, which is also beneficial for the national team.” [2][3]

Challenges and expectations — CAVA Championship target

In the CAVA Championship beginning Jestha 8, Nepal will face tactically competitive teams. Limited training time, challenges in team coordination and competing against internationally varied players will remain obstacles. However, Niruta's franchise captaincy experience and her history of consistent performance in departmental competitions could strengthen current preparations.

From the association's perspective, the decision also sends a message about expanding leadership opportunities for women — there is potential for a growing practice of assigning high responsibility to players from local and rural backgrounds.

Personal thoughts and final message

In her simple words, Niruta said, “I have come this far after enduring the dust of Darchula. I am proud to receive the captaincy; I will move forward taking all the team members with me.” After coach Bhatt and other team members pledged their support, the national captain's journey appears set to take a new turn.

Close — one journey, a thousand possibilities

The line from a dusty ground without shoes to national captain — Niruta's story is not just personal success; it is evidence of rural sports structures, departmental institutions and a landscape that gives opportunities to new leadership. The domestic competition in Jestha will test her on court, but already her appointment has signaled change and hope in Nepal women's volleyball — the flight from Darchula's dust to national captain is expected to become even more inspiring.

Sources

  • [1] Nepal Volleyball Association — Facebook post (69th Central Working Committee decision)

  • [2] BootBaller — "Nepal Unveils CAVA Squad; New Captain to Rise"

  • [3] OnlineKhabar/News reports — reports on the captaincy race during Aruna Shahi's absence