A Life in Volleyball: Chandra Kunwar’s Journey from Gulmi Hills to the Coaching Helm – The Himalayan Times – Nepal’s No.1 English Daily Newspaper

KATHMANDU, APRIL 22

For volleyball lovers in Nepal, Chandra Bahadur Kunwar, the current head coach of Nepal Police Club (NPC) and a former national player, needs no introduction as both a player and a tactically astute figure.

Kunwar, hailing from the small village of Thulo Lumpake in Gulmi district, debuted for the national team at 22. He represented Nepal in the Asian Beach Volleyball Championship in China, the AVC Central Zone in Bangladesh, and the 12th South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in Guwahati. However, a severe spinal injury cut short his promising playing career, leading him to transition into coaching, where he has since earned respect as a seasoned figure.

Kunwar, who holds a Level One coaches course, has guided Nepal Police Club (NPC) to multiple national titles. Under his leadership, NPC was named the best team, while Kunwar was honored as the National Volleyball Association’s Coach of the Year 2081.

NPC Head Coach Chandra Kunwar holds a trophy after being declared NVA coach of the year. Photo: Chandra/Facebook.

Reflecting on his illustrious career, Kunwar said, “Initially, I played this game for fun, but now I take it as my profession. It has given me both name and fame. Now, I want to give back by passing on my knowledge to foster upcoming talent.”

“Had I not received immense support from my parents, and had I not become a volleyball player, I, like many other Nepalis, would likely have been a migrant worker, preferably in the Gulf states,” Kunwar shared.

From commanding the court as one of Nepal’s standout volleyball players to mentoring future talents from the sidelines, his journey reflects a seamless transition from athlete to coach.

Early days

Growing up in Thulo Lumpake, Kunwar recalled watching his brothers play volleyball in the backyard, while he had limited opportunities to play and often served as a ball boy. Unknowingly, he had already developed a deep affection for the game. Om Bahadur Kunwar later recognized his potential and encouraged him to take up the sport.

By the age of 14, he was already participating in district-level tournaments in Tamghas, the district headquarters. Jhak Bahadur Midhun Magar, who is also the secretary of the National Volleyball Association, played a significant role in helping us progress beyond district-level competitions and participate in higher-level tournaments.

“I would be naive if I did not acknowledge the role these two gentlemen played in shaping my early volleyball career,” Kunwar said with a smile.

After completing Grade Eight in his village, Kunwar said he went on to study at Adarsha Higher Secondary School in Syangja, where he honed his volleyball skills alongside his studies.

Short coaching stint in Butwal

“When I moved to Butwal for higher studies, I actively participated in local tournaments organized in nearby districts, including Nawalparasi and Kapilvastu. I also briefly studied at Butwal Multiple Campus for about a month,” Kunwar recalled.

Fondly remembering New Horizon School’s principal, Loknath Upadhya, who appointed him as a volleyball coach, he said, “I will always be grateful to him for believing in my ability to coach both boys’ and girls’ teams for the upcoming President Running Shield Competition in Bhairawa.

During my short tenure of around nine months, I led the team to the tournament, where the girls’ team emerged victorious. It was my first coaching experience, and I was delighted not to have disappointed Loknath Upadhya sir. Even today, if I decide to relocate to Butwal, I believe I would be offered a coaching role at the school,” Kunwar said confidently.

From Police Constable to National Volleyball Star

After receiving opportunities to play in Kathmandu, Kunwar made the decisive choice to leave his studies and fully commit to volleyball. That decision eventually opened the door for him to join Nepal Police as a constable.

Having progressed through various levels of competitive volleyball, he had steadily built his career. However, it was during police training that a turning point arrived, providing him the platform to represent Nepal at the national level, Kunwar recalled.

Bharat Shah, then captain of the Nepal national volleyball team and Vice-President of the National Volleyball Association, recalls Kunwar-who made his debut under his leadership-as a player with a uniquely powerful spike that posed a significant challenge for opponents attempting to block him.

Shah further noted that while many may have a passion for volleyball, representing Nepal at the national level is an entirely different proposition. He described Kunwar as disciplined, hardworking, committed, and determined to succeed in the game.

“Kunwar’s hard work and achievements are a testament to his love for the sport,” Shah added.

Recalling his time with Kunwar during the Asian Beach Volleyball tournament in China, Bharat Shah said that Kunwar possessed all the attributes required to excel in beach volleyball, despite primarily being an indoor volleyball player.

Reflecting on his transition into coaching, Shah observed that a great player does not necessarily become a great coach. “In Kunwar’s case, however, he has excelled in both roles-an outstanding player and now a remarkable coach,” he said, pointing to Kunwar’s recent recognition as the National Volleyball Association’s Coach of the Year.

“What more can one say?” Shah added, underscoring Kunwar’s exceptional contribution to the sport.

Recalling his international debut, Kunwar said that he represented Nepal in an invitational tournament held in Kathmandu in 2067, featuring teams from Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the Maldives. The team secured a third-place finish after defeating Afghanistan.

“For me, representing Nepal on the international stage was a dream fulfilled-what more could I have asked for?” he reflected.

However, his career soon took an unfortunate turn. A persistent back injury began to take its toll, and after five years in the national setup, he was compelled to step away from international volleyball. “That was the lowest point of my professional career,” Kunwar admitted, adding that although he continued to play for the Nepal Police Club, his appearances became increasingly infrequent.

From player to NPC Head Coach

Reflecting on the latter phase of his playing career, Kunwar said that following the Pathivara Cup triumph, a persistent injury began to take a heavy toll, prompting him to step away from the court in 2076. Over the next two years, he served as an assistant to Saroj Shrestha.

During that period, Nepal Police Club (NPC) endured a transitional phase, weakened by the departures of senior players such as Sanjay Aryal and Kul Bahadur Thapa, alongside Kunwar’s own retirement. Just as the team began rebuilding and regaining momentum, promising players including Robin Chand Thakuri and Safal BK left for Australia-some driven by financial constraints, others in pursuit of new opportunities.

Despite a recent lack of major titles, Kunwar said he continues to take pride in coaching a squad of talented and hardworking players. “We scouted Pahal Gahatraj, a native of Rukum West, from the President Running Shield and have since developed him into one of our top performers,” he noted.

NPC skipper Dipak Joshi echoed similar sentiments, saying, “I consider myself fortunate to have played alongside Chandra Kunwar and now to train under his guidance. He is as exceptional a coach as he was a player-a great person, mentor, and leader.” Joshi added that under Kunwar’s leadership, NPC secured five titles in 2081 and finished third in the recently concluded NVA League.

NPC Head Coach Chandra Kunwar and skipper Deepak Joshi. Photo: Mausam Shah ‘Nepali’/THT

Appeal to the government

Although the Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government has declared volleyball as Nepal’s national game, inadequate infrastructure and limited financial support have hindered its development.

Kunwar urged the government to construct at least it’s own indoor covered hall for organizing tournaments and to provide monthly salaries to national players in order to boost morale and commitment. Echoing similar sentiments, Bharat Shah said, “We must first understand the limitations of financial support from the government before pointing fingers at the National Volleyball Association.”

He further added that, despite numerous challenges, the game has continued to progress due to the unwavering support of volleyball enthusiasts across the country.

Shah also called on the concerned authorities to organize franchise-based tournaments at least once a year to provide players with opportunities for financial sustainability. “It is not solely our responsibility; it is the government’s duty to elevate volleyball beyond merely declaring it the national game,” Shah lamented.

With the looming PM Cup on the horizon and the National Volleyball Association (NVA) offering the highest prize money in its 10-year history, Nepal Police Club (NPC), as always, will be a strong title contender, said Chandra Kunwar while speaking to The Himalayan Times at the Nepal Police Academy.

NPC team pose for a portrait following their training session at Nepal Police Academy. Photo: Mausam Shah ‘Nepali’THT