Students of Janakalyan High School playing Volleyball. Chiti, Lamjung. by JIm Fields
The game of volleyball, originating in America in 1952 BS, took nearly 78 years to receive official recognition from the government of Nepal. The journey towards national-level competitions began in 2030 BS.
According to official records, the inaugural match took place in 1999 BS between students of Trichandra College, marking the modest 81-year history of volleyball in Nepal. However, delving deeper into the game’s origins, it can be traced back to the year 1990 BS when British Gurkha soldiers introduced volleyball to Nepal. Subsequently, Peace Corps volunteers played a crucial role in popularizing the sport among rural communities where they were stationed.
Following the end of the Rana Regime and the establishment of schools across the nation, volleyball gradually expanded beyond the valley and became a recreational game among students. By 2007 BS, the sport had found its way to cities such as Biratnagar, Birgunj, and Pokhara, signifying its growing presence and appeal in urban areas as well.
Gurkha Soldiers playing Volley Ball, Malaya. Photo by Harrison Forman
Probably this court may be highest altitude volleyball court in the world, in 4130m. (Annapurna Base Camp) from sea level.
A volleyball competition between students of Multipupose School, Ghorahi, Dang. by Joe and Sue Hammerman
Students of Tri-Mohan high School playing volleyball games, Sankranti Bazaar. by Charles Bailey
Text adapted from Sunil Ulak’s Collection on Facebook.
