Nepal Police Headquarters has directed national women’s volleyball player and police constable Punam Chand to report to the office within seven days after authorities said she had been absent from duty for more than two months while playing club volleyball in Australia.
A public notice issued by Nepal Police ordered Chand to provide an explanation for her absence after she allegedly failed to respond to earlier notices sent to her registered address. Authorities say the constable has been absent from duty since late March.
Chand, an outside hitter for Nepal’s national women’s volleyball team and a player associated with Nepal Police Club, is currently reported to be playing for a Sydney-based club in Australia.
The development comes as Nepal hosts the ongoing Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Women’s Volleyball Championship, where Chand’s absence has been notable after she had initially been included in the preliminary training squad. Reports indicate she participated in training before leaving midway and travelling to Australia.
Police headquarters said the action follows procedures under Nepal Police regulations, under which notices are issued to personnel who remain absent without authorisation. According to local reports, Chand had previously been warned but did not respond, leading authorities to escalate the matter publicly.
The issue has also reignited debate around a growing trend in Nepali women’s volleyball, with several senior and national-level players increasingly leaving Nepal for opportunities abroad, particularly in Australia.
Recent reporting suggests several established players from Nepal’s national setup have relocated overseas in recent months, forcing selectors to inject younger and less experienced athletes into the national side.
Sports observers in Nepal have described the departures as part of a broader transition facing women’s volleyball in the country. While younger players have stepped into the national squad, concerns remain over the impact on team experience and continuity at international tournaments.
Chand has been among Nepal’s recognised performers in domestic volleyball competitions and previously featured for both Nepal Police Club and franchise teams in national leagues.
It remains unclear whether Chand intends to return to Nepal within the seven-day deadline or what disciplinary action could follow if she fails to comply with the police directive.
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