KATHMANDU: Nepal's under-19 volleyball team has advanced to the final of the International Championship being held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. They will compete against Bangladesh Red in the championship match scheduled for today. The Nepali team secured their spot in the final by defeating the host team, Bangladesh Blue, in the semifinals, with a score of 25-16, 25-21, and 25-21, according to Deepak Thapa, the manager of the Nepali team and outgoing president of the Bhaktapur District Sports Development Committee.

Prior to their victory against Bangladesh Blue, Nepal secured a semifinal berth by defeating the Maldives with a score of 23-25, 25-19, 25-13, and 25-21 in a match held the previous day. The team representing Bhaktapur traveled to Bangladesh to participate in the championship, showcasing their talent and determination on the international stage. The Nepali squad includes players such as Suresh Malla, Yagya Raj Joshi, Abhishekh Thapa, Puskal Thapa, Dipen Thapa, and others, with Utsav Khadka serving as the coach and Janak Bahadur Khadka as the assistant coach.

The team's participation in the championship was made possible through the support and funding provided by various individuals and organizations. President of the Sahayata Foundation, Raju Dhungel, entrepreneur Laxman Awal, Bikas Basnet, and team manager Deepak Thapa played pivotal roles in mobilizing funds to facilitate the team's journey to Bangladesh for the tournament. Their efforts have enabled the Nepali under-19 volleyball team to showcase their skills and compete at an international level, representing their country with pride and determination.