MALÉ CITY, Maldives — Kyrgyzstan captured the Women’s Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Cup 2025 title on Wednesday after defeating host nation Maldives in a hard-fought four-set final at the Social Centre Indoor Hall, bringing the tournament to a close in front of a capacity crowd.
Kyrgyzstan rallied from an opening-set loss to secure a 3–1 victory (20–25, 25–22, 25–17, 25–21) and claim the gold medal, overcoming the hosts in an electric atmosphere watched by approximately 1,500 spectators. Maldives took the first set 25–20, but Kyrgyzstan responded with composure and consistency to control the remainder of the match and seal the championship.
Gulmira Tulenova led Kyrgyzstan with 16 points, while Raiana Baiamanova added 15 and Saikal Amirakulova finished with 13 in a balanced attacking display. Maldives mounted a determined challenge behind Rashidha Hawwa and Shamin Aminath Shaha, who each registered a match-high 22 points, but were unable to halt Kyrgyzstan’s late surge.
The final day of competition was attended by several dignitaries, led by the First Lady of the Maldives, Madam Sajidha Mohamed, who served as chief guest. She officially crowned Kyrgyzstan as champions during the closing ceremony and presented the winners with the tournament trophy. The ceremony was also attended by Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu, senior ministry officials, and Mr. Mohamed Latheef, in his dual role as President of both CAVA and the Volleyball Association of Maldives (VAM).
Kyrgyzstan’s Bolotbekova Nurzhamal was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and also earned recognition as one of the best outside hitters. Players from the two finalists dominated the 2025 CAVA Cup Dream Team selections, with Hawwa Rashidha (Maldives) and Bolotbekova Nurzhamal (Kyrgyzstan) named as outside hitters; Amirakulova Saikal (Kyrgyzstan) and Nareema Idurees (Maldives) as middle blockers; Fathimath Joozan Zareer (Maldives) as setter; Aminath Shaha Shamin (Maldives) as opposite player; and Seiitbrlova Asema (Kyrgyzstan) as libero.
Earlier on the final day, Bangladesh secured the bronze medal with a straight-sets win over Afghanistan, 3–0 (25–20, 25–20, 25–15), in the third-place match. Most Sabina Khatun led Bangladesh with a tournament-high 28 points, while Afghanistan’s Zahra Hanieh Afghan finished with 11 points as her team placed fourth.
The final rankings saw Kyrgyzstan claim the championship, followed by Maldives in second place, Bangladesh in third, and Afghanistan fourth. Organized by the Volleyball Association of Maldives in collaboration with the Central Asian Volleyball Association, the Women’s CAVA Cup 2025 marked another milestone for women’s volleyball in the region, combining high-level competition with international camaraderie in Malé City.