On the third day of the practice session on Tuesday, Nary, the captain of the Nepal Women’s Cricket team already seemed busy as she squashed a television interview and a quick photo shoot amid her three-hour training with the team.[break] On February 9, under the 19-year-old’s leadership, the Nepali team will fly to Pakistan for a practice match with the Pakistani women’s cricket team, also the winners of the 2010 Asian Games, before heading to Kuwait for the ACC Women’s Twenty 20 Championship Cricket Tournament beginning February 17.
In Kuwait, it will be Nary’s fifth time leading the national team. In 2007 and 2011, she led the Nepali squad for senior-level matches while in 2008 and 2010 she fronted the Under-19 team.
“One of the major qualities for a captain is to be able to hold the team together and bring out a good performance,” she said as she sat down for a short recess during the training session.
Born in Nepalgunj in mid-western Nepal, Nary proved herself as a capable captain during the women team’s first international match in Malaysia in 2007. The Nepali team performed their best at the Female Cricket Competition organized by the Asian Cricket Council where Nary claimed the Best Bowler title after taking 14 wickets. She was also awarded the Best Batswoman’s title in the ACC Under-19 game in Singapore in 2010 where Nepal won the championship.
“I’m happy that I’ve been chosen as captain,” she said, with sweat dripping off her forehead. “It’s my responsibility to get the best out of my team and shine our country’s name.”
With sports in her genes, born to boxing coach Lil Bahadur and Wushu player Nirmala, Nary said she never had difficulties choosing sports as a profession. In a conservative Nepali society where sports are not regarded as a good profession even for men, women have a tougher time sustaining in the field. But for Nary, her family was “supportive and encouraging.”
And the same encouragement is what Nary brings to the pitch.
“As captain, she’s enthusiastic and a team player,” profusely said her coach, Arun Aryal, whom the team calls “Guru.” “She knows how to control the team.”
Aryal, who is the chief cricket coach at the National Sports Council, is currently coaching the team for the Kuwait match and has known Nary since 2007. He praised the 19-year-old for her batting skills and said “she has improved drastically” during the years.
Nary also believes that her main strength lies in her batting; her teammates share the same notion. But Nary wants to be known as an all-rounder and more than that a good captain.
“A captain is chosen after considering a lot of qualities, and you have to respect that. It’s my responsibility to encourage and motivate the team and make them feel that we can win every game,” she said.
Her fellow players agreed.
Mamta Thapa, wicketkeeper said that Nary never asserts that she’s the leader but instead mingles with the team.
“I’m impressed by her seriousness during the trainings and matches,” said Mamta who once competed with Nary during the inter-school cricket matches in Nepalgunj, to which the captain added, “Solidarity and seriousness is necessary.”
“But I don’t think I’m very strict,” laughed. “Just sometimes when the girls fool around…”
And it showed on the Kirtipur ground. While one of her teammates tried to play judge using a knocking hammer, Nary looked at her and said, “How many times do I have to tell you this?” to which she replied “sorry” before getting back to the training.
Madhu Thapa, another team member, said that Nary is a fun person to be around with but does not like to joke much and is reserved and quiet, which Nary admitted to. And during the training sessions, while most of the players laughed and chatted, Nary either sat next to her coach or with some friends, talking softly.
“I don’t like to chat a lot but concentrate on cricket,” she said.
A woman playing cricket, Nary said though it was awkward initially, the situation, however, has changed. Inspired by one of her school teachers, she started playing cricket from 2003. She recalled how boys teased her for playing a “men’s game.” But eight years after, Nary feels proud of her achievements.
“It’s a difficult task and there’s so much pressure, but I think I’m doing it well,” she said with a smile and shared her dream of playing in the World Cup, to lead the Nepali team to the same Cup.
Coach Aryal and her teammates have confidence in her, and Nary has proved her aptitude. Her journey from Nepalgunj in 2007 to Kathmandu has not been long, but it certainly has been legendary. According to her coach, Nary is “cool and calm” and her teammates define her as “a good leader.”
But for Nary, who is also currently enrolled as a B Ed. Student in Nepalgunj, the best days are yet to come. She is determined to play cricket and set standards; she sees a future for the women’s team.
“This isn’t just a man’s game,” she said, adding, “I hope other girls who come after me will be more successful and reach newer heights.”
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