The 8th KNP Nerolac National Women’s Volleyball Tournament, organized by the Sher Bahadur Khadka Memorial Foundation, is scheduled to take place in the second week of the upcoming year, specifically from the 10th to the 13th of Baishakh (mid-April 2025). The tournament aims to empower female volleyball players and enhance their skills. The Foundation has been holding this event annually since 2072 BS.
Six Teams Confirmed for the Tournament
This year, six teams will compete in the tournament:
- APF Club
- New Diamond Youth Sports Club
- Nepal Police Club
- Tribhuvan Army Club
- Jawalakhel Volleyball Training Center
- Everest Volleyball Club
Previously, only four teams participated in the tournament, but this time, the number has been increased to six. Ranjan Khadka, the president of the Sher Bahadur Khadka Memorial Foundation, confirmed that four teams have already confirmed their participation, while discussions are underway regarding the inclusion of Everest Volleyball Club.
Tournament Venue and Format
The competition will be held at the National Sports Council’s Covered Hall in Tripureshwar. The teams will be divided into two groups and compete in a league-cum-knockout format, ensuring a competitive and engaging tournament structure.
Cash Prizes and Awards
The winning team will receive a cash prize of NPR 499,000. The runner-up will be awarded NPR 250,000, and the third-place team will receive NPR 125,000. In addition, the best player of the tournament will be rewarded with NPR 50,000. Players who excel in specific categories, such as the best setter, defender, server, libero, spiker, and coach, will each receive NPR 25,000. Furthermore, the ‘Player of the Match’ in each game will receive NPR 15,000.
Special Award for National Athlete
At the tournament’s opening ceremony, one outstanding national athlete will be honored with the Sher Bahadur Khadka Special Award, which includes a cash prize of NPR 50,000.
Prize Pool and Tournament Budget
The total prize pool for the tournament is over NPR 1.3 million, with an estimated event budget of around NPR 5 million. The tournament’s main sponsor is KNP Nerolac, a multinational paint company.
Sponsorship and Support
A sponsorship agreement between the Sher Bahadur Khadka Memorial Foundation and KNP Nerolac was finalized on Sunday. Gamli Khadka, the Foundation’s patron, and Manoj Kumar Mishra, Country Head of Kansai Nerolac, signed the agreement. Mishra explained that the company is supporting the event as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative and expressed the company’s commitment to further contributing to the development of sports in Nepal.
Support from National and Provincial Bodies
As in previous years, the tournament is receiving support from the National Sports Council, Provincial Sports Council, Bagmati Province, various municipalities, and corporate houses. This wide range of support will ensure the successful organization of the tournament.
Volleyball’s Growing Professionalism
Jitendra Bahadur Chand, Vice President of the Nepal Volleyball Association, highlighted the anticipation surrounding the tournament among players. He also mentioned that the prize money is substantial, which will financially benefit the players. Additionally, he pointed out that volleyball is becoming more professional, with the launch of the Women’s Franchise League and the upcoming Men’s Franchise League.
A Landmark Year for Nepali Volleyball
Chand also stated that 2025 will be a historic year for Nepali volleyball, with significant developments expected for the sport in the country.