Nepal Volleyball Association Honors First International Players at Golden Jubilee Event

The Nepal Volleyball Association (NVA) honored the national team players who represented Nepal in its first international volleyball competition 50 years ago during a Golden Jubilee event held on Saturday. Led by captain Rishiraj Acharya, the Nepalese team made its international debut in 1976 at the Quaid-e-Azam Volleyball Tournament held in Pakistan. At the ceremony, team manager Madhusamshere Rana shared anecdotes from the Pakistan trip and memorable moments from the tournament, expressing his happiness over the recognition received five decades later. (24 Ashoj, Kathmandu)

Marking the 50th anniversary of Nepal’s first international volleyball appearance, the NVA organized the Golden Jubilee program on Saturday to honor those pioneering players. The association presented certificates and traditional khadas to all members of the squad that represented Nepal at its inaugural international competition. Under the captaincy of Rishiraj Acharya, the Nepal team participated in the 1976 Quaid-e-Azam Volleyball Tournament in Pakistan, marking their debut on the international volleyball stage.

The ceremony was attended by four players and the team manager from that historic squad. Resham Gurung, Ravindra Shrestha, Madhusudan Rana, and Kapilkishor Shrestha were present, while captain Rishiraj Acharya and Mahendralal Shrestha were unable to attend. During the event, manager Rana recounted his experiences and interesting stories from competing in Pakistan 50 years ago. He expressed heartfelt gratitude and happiness that the association recognized them half a century later.