Dhaka, Bangladesh, October 28, 2025 – In a night destined for the history books, Turkmenistan ascended to the pinnacle of Central Asian volleyball, clinching the CAVA Cup for Men 2025 with a breathtaking five-set victory over Afghanistan. The Shaheed Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium in Mirpur was electrified on Tuesday as fans were treated to a finale brimming with drama, determination, and pure sporting brilliance.
Afghanistan came out firing, taking the opening and third sets through explosive hitting from Sabawoon Wardak and Ghulamrasool Haidari, while Mohammad Imran Niazai anchored their defense with poise.
Yet, Turkmenistan refused to yield. Rallying behind the relentless trio of Didar Nuryyev, Bayramgeldi Veyisov, and Dovranbek Rahimov, the team fought back to capture the second and fourth sets, setting up a nail-biting tiebreak that would decide it all.
With the crowd on its feet and tension thick in the air, Turkmenistan held their nerve.
Every serve, every spike, every block became a battle cry. And when the final point dropped, the stadium erupted in unison – Turkmenistan had done it, completing a stunning comeback 3–2 (20–25, 25–21, 18–25, 25–20, 15–12) to be crowned the new Champions of Central Asia.
In the bronze-medal match, Sri Lanka overwhelmed host nation Bangladesh in straight sets 25–20, 25–23, 25–20. Skipper H. Deepthi Ranawaka and the unstoppable A.
Don Perera spearheaded the Sri Lankan attack with precision and power, leaving the spirited duo of Horosit Biswas and Ratul Ahmed unable to turn the tide for the home side.
Earlier in the day, Nepal battled Maldives in a thrilling classification clash, emerging victorious 3–1 (29–27, 25–20, 35–37, 25–20). A marathon third set had fans gasping and applauding as Dhan Bahadur Bhatta and Pahal Gahatraj led Nepal’s charge, while Hussain Shamaail and Mohamed Fairooz put up a valiant fight for Maldives.
As the final whistle sounded and the dust settled, emotions ran high during the awarding ceremony.
CAVA President Mr Mohamed Latheef, who also serves as AVC Executive Vice President and AVC Zonal Executive Vice President (Central Asia), joined officials from the Bangladesh Volleyball Federation to present medals and trophies to the deserving teams.
Turkmenistan’s captain proudly lifted the glittering CAVA Cup Trophy to a thunderous ovation — a moment that captured the spirit of pride, unity, and triumph.
The tournament also recognized individual excellence through the announcement of the CAVA Cup 2025 Dream Team, spotlighting the region’s brightest talents:
• Outside Hitters: Bagtyyar Hemrakulyev (Turkmenistan, #12), Didar Nuryyev (Turkmenistan, #6)
• Middle Blockers: Don Ayesh D. Perera P.A (Sri Lanka, #3), S. Habib Yousufi (Afghanistan, #20)
• Setter: Akmyrat Dovletov (Turkmenistan, #3)
• Opposite Player: Ahmed Ratul (Bangladesh, #11)
• Libero: Adil Shah Zakeeri (Afghanistan, #15)
• Most Valuable Player (MVP): Bagtyyar Hemrakulyev (Turkmenistan, #12)
With six nations – Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Maldives — coming together for a week of high-octane volleyball and shared camaraderie, the CAVA Cup for Men 2025 proved to be more than a competition. It was a celebration of athletic excellence, sportsmanship, and regional solidarity.
As the lights dimmed over Dhaka, one truth shone bright: Turkmenistan didn’t just win a trophy – they won hearts, respect, and a lasting place in volleyball history.
MATCH RESULTS
QUICK LINKS
AVC Website: click www.asianvolleyball.net
AVC Facebook: click https://www.facebook.com/avcasianvolleyball
AVC Twitter: click: www.twitter.com/AsianVolleyball
AVC Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/avcvolley/?hl=en
Mikasa Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/mikasasports_official
AVC Youtube: click: Asian Volleyball Confederation
AVC WeChat: Asian Volleyball Confederation