Experienced Mongolian Setter Turmandakh Joins Annapurna Spiker Kings for Nepal Volleyball League

September 1, Kathmandu – Annapurna Spiker Kings have secured the services of Turmandakh Gankhuyag, an experienced setter from the Mongolian national volleyball team, for the inaugural season of the Nepal Volleyball League (NVL).

On Monday, Annapurna Spiker Kings announced Turmandakh’s signing as their third foreign player through a press release.

By including Turmandakh in their squad for Nepal’s first-ever men’s volleyball franchise league, Annapurna has completed their foreign player quota. With this signing, all three of Annapurna Spiker Kings’ foreign players are from Mongolia.

Previously, Annapurna had signed star outside hitter Uranbayar Munkhbayar and experienced opposite hitter Enkh Erden Jargalsot (commonly known as ‘AD’), both from the Mongolian national team.

The 28-year-old Turmandakh is a seasoned setter for Mongolia’s national team. Beyond representing Mongolia internationally, he has extensive experience in the domestic league and Asian club competitions.

Recently, Mongolia secured a bronze medal at the Asian Eastern Zone Men’s Volleyball Championship held on home soil, where Turmandakh played a crucial role in setting for the team. Earlier in 2023, he also helped Mongolia win bronze at the Cava National League.

His domestic volleyball performances have been impressive, having won the Best Setter Award twice in the Mongolian Premier League.

Standing 6 feet tall, Turmandakh represented Mongolia at the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China, in 2023, and competed at the AVC Challenge Cup the same year.

At club level, he gained Asian experience by playing for the Mongolian club Bayankhongor in the 2023 AVC Men’s Club Volleyball Championship.

Turmandakh’s arrival is expected to add experience, court vision, and stability in setting to the Annapurna Spiker Kings squad. The club expresses confidence that his setting will enhance the effectiveness of their aggressive players, Uranbayar and Enkh Erden.

All three Mongolian foreign players have frequently competed together on their national team recently, which is expected to benefit Annapurna’s team chemistry.

For the inaugural NVL season, Annapurna’s foreign lineup is comprised entirely of Mongolian talent.

The combination of outside hitter Uranbayar Munkhbayar, opposite hitter Enkh Erden Jargalsot, and setter Turmandakh Gankhuyag, along with Nepali players, has formed a balanced team, according to Annapurna Spiker Kings.

This trio’s distinct roles are anticipated to strengthen Annapurna’s attack, setting, and front court balance.

Representing Gandaki Province, the Annapurna Spiker Kings have incorporated not only foreign players but also both experienced and young local talents from the region.

Middle blocker Himal Sunari from Gandaki is the team’s marquee player. Ramesh KC from the province serves as head coach, while assistant coach Narendra Giri is a former Nepali national player and ex-coach/player at the Tribhuvan Army Club.

Rajendra Dhami, who recently debuted for the national team through the Cava Men’s Volleyball Championship, is also part of the Annapurna squad.

Gandaki’s well-known players Ravi KC, Bishwas Adhikari, Bibash Ale, and Surendra KC are included, along with libero players Jit Bahadur Sharki and Dev Rana, both former representatives of age-group national teams.

In line with the league’s rules to promote young talent, Annapurna selected Kiran Bhandari from a talent hunt event held in Pokhara. Each franchise is mandated to select one player through such a talent hunt.

With a strong coaching staff and a combination of experienced Nepali players, young prospects, and internationally experienced Mongolian athletes, Annapurna Spiker Kings aim to deliver a compelling performance and emerge as top contenders for the title in the league’s inaugural season.

The Nepal Volleyball League’s first edition will begin on September 4 at the Dashrath Rangashala covered hall in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu.