Kathmandu: The Nepal national women’s kabaddi team has expressed confidence in winning at least a medal at the second Women’s Kabaddi World Cup scheduled to be held in Hyderabad, India, from August 3 to 10.

National team captain Manamati Bista and coach Bishnu Datta Bhatta said they were optimistic about the team’s chances in the tournament, which features 14 teams. Nepal’s women’s team, currently placed third in the global rankings, had won a bronze medal at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

“There have been significant improvements in the team compared to the past. We have been in closed-camp training for the last eight months under Mission 2026 (for the Asian Games),” said captain Manamati during a farewell programme for the team, organised at the National Sports Council in Tripureshwar on Friday, a day before the team’s departure for India.

“The team has a combination of experienced and junior players, with eight young players alongside six seniors. India could be a tough opponent for us, but we’re confident of winning at least a medal,” she added.

Coach Bhatta, however, was more cautious. “If we avoid India in the quarterfinal stage, we will return with a medal,” he said, expressing satisfaction with the team’s preparation.

The 18-member Nepali delegation, set to leave for India on Saturday, includes 14 players and four officials. The team will undergo a 12-day training camp under the supervision of international coaches in Mor Majra, Haryana. They are also scheduled to play five practice matches against local teams.

Harina Thapa is the assistant coach, Sarad Darshandhari is the team manager and Ramesh Chandra Ojha will serve as the judge in the event.

Along with Nepal and hosts India, participating countries include Uganda, Germany, Chinese Taipei, the Netherlands, Zanzibar, Iran, Japan, Poland, Kenya, Argentina, and Thailand.

National Sports Council member secretary Tanka Lal Ghising, Training Department director Dipak Bista, and Kabaddi Association president Tulasha Thapa, among others bade farewell to the team.

Nepali Squad
Manamati Bista (captain), Jayanti Badu (vice-captain), Menuka Chaudhary, Rabina Chaudhary, Mina Nepali, Ganga Ghimire, Ashika Kunwar, Srijana Kumari Tharu, Srijana Dhanuk, Manisha Joshi, Urusha Shakya, Sahma Yadav, Binita Pandit Chhetri, Sanju Thami.