Nepal national women’s volleyball team made history on Saturday as they defeated India 3-2 in the CAVA Women’s Volleyball Nations League at the National Sports Council covered hall in Kathmandu on Saturday.

It was Nepal’s first ever victory over India women in their volleyball history.

Nepal last met India in Kathmandu in May last year during the CAVA Women’s Challenge Cup group stage, a match they lost 25-12, 26-24, 21-25, 25-21. The Nepali team also lost to India 25–23, 26–28, 25–23, 25–17 in the 2022 Asian Games Pool G match.

Nepal’s loss to India during the 13th South Asian Games gold medal match in Kathmandu still remains fresh in their memory.

But on Saturday, Nepal were determined to change history.

“I am literally feeling blank, to be honest,” Nepal captain Aruna Shahi said after the famous victory. “We started the game with fear as we were playing against India. But, in the end, we won.”

In a see-saw contest, Nepal and India were tied 5-5 at one time in the first set but Nepal soon took control of the game, leading 11-6 midway, before storming to a 25-18 victory.

Nepal’s momentum faded in the second set, which they surrendered 12-25.

Shahi’s team recovered to claim the third set 25-17 but lost the fourth 18-25, setting up a thrilling decider.

Backed by a roaring home crowd, Nepal did not disappoint. From an early 4-2 lead, they went on to pull off a nervy 15-13 last-set victory.

“Overall, our team played well in the first set,” Shahi said. “The second was full of technical errors. Our service was poor. But we were able to recover in the succeeding sets.”

The victory puts Nepal, who have five points from two matches, firmly in contention for a semi-final spot. Nepal are currently the only unbeaten team in the tournament.

India have seven points and lead the five-team standings.

Nepal next play Iran on Sunday.

“We still have two more league games… and perhaps a semi-final as well,” Shahi said. “The victory against India is a great start for our journey ahead but we cannot celebrate too early.”

In the day’s other action, Iran defeated the Maldives 25-21, 25-20, 25-16.

Iran have five points, while Sri Lanka have three. The Maldives are winless.