Kathmandu, May 4 -- In 2016, when Kabita Bhatta came across a surprising offer-to play volleyball for a departmental club-she declined it.

Bhatta was born and raised in Dadeldhura in far-western Nepal. Her childhood and adolescent days followed the familiar rhythm of attending school and assisting her mother with household chores. During holidays, she would herd cattle and assist her parents in their farm.

Bhatta used to participate in the school's athletic events, quiz competitions and dances. But volleyball was completely new for her.

The offer came after she completed her School Leaving Certificate (SLC) examinations when she was gearing up to enrol in a technical field, potentially nursing, for higher studies.

"Since I had never p...