Dhaka, Bangladesh, October 24, 2025 – The CAVA Cup for Men 2025 reached fever pitch on Friday as Day 3 delivered another round of thrilling encounters that turned the Shaheed Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium into a true cauldron of skill, passion, and national pride. With three action-packed matches on the card, it was a day that celebrated the very essence of volleyball – teamwork, determination, and heart.
Turkmenistan downed Afghanistan 3–1 (25–19, 22–25, 25–18, 25–21)
The day opened with a fiery all–Central Asian showdown between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. Riding high on back-to-back victories, Turkmenistan started on the front foot, dictating the tempo with pinpoint attacks and solid defence.
Led by the ever-reliable Didar Nuryyev and the dynamic Bayramgeldi Veyisov, the Turkmen side struck early to claim the opening set with confidence.
Afghanistan, however, refused to bow down easily. Sabawoon Wardak and Ghulamrasool Haidari sparked a spirited fightback, levelling the score by taking the second set in style. But Turkmenistan’s composure and tactical discipline once again made the difference as they regrouped to dominate the next two sets, wrapping up a well-deserved 3–1 victory and extending their unbeaten streak to three matches.
Head coach Ramin Babaei lauded his squad’s unity and mental toughness, remarking that “focus and teamwork have been our greatest strengths throughout the campaign.”
Nepal swept Maldives 3–0 (25–17, 25–19, 25–15)
In the afternoon, Nepal stepped onto the court determined to turn the page after two hard-fought losses – and they did so emphatically. From the opening whistle, Nepal seized control of the contest, with Dhan Bahadur Bhatta and Pahal Gahatraj spearheading a sharp and fluid offensive display. Setter Harihajur Thapa ran the show with authority, keeping the Maldivian defence constantly on the move.
Despite spirited resistance from Razzan Hussain and Huzaam Ali, Maldives struggled to find their footing as Nepal powered through to a straight-sets victory, marking their first win of the tournament and a vital boost to team morale.
Coach Bharat Yadav praised his players’ discipline and teamwork, adding that “this win will give us the confidence to push harder in the next matches.”
Bangladesh outlasted Sri Lanka in five-set thriller 3–2 (25–20, 25–21, 20–25, 23–25, 15–11)
As the lights shone over Dhaka, the host nation took to the court for a pulsating evening encounter against Sri Lanka — and the crowd was treated to a five-set classic.
Fuelled by the electric home atmosphere, Bangladesh stormed through the opening two sets behind the inspired play of Ratul Ahmed and Horosit Biswas, who combined power with precision to keep the momentum firmly on their side.
But Sri Lanka were far from finished. Deepthi Ranawaka and Akindu Subasingha led a determined resurgence, clawing their team back into contention by taking the next two sets, setting up a nerve-racking decider.
In the final set, Bangladesh dug deep, lifted by the roaring support of their fans, and closed out the contest 15–11 to preserve their perfect record. It was a night to remember – full of grit, emotion, and national pride.
Coach Rayan Masajedi described it as “a battle of heart and spirit,” crediting his players’ resilience and the crowd’s unwavering support as the driving force behind the victory.
With three days of high-voltage action completed, Turkmenistan sit atop the standings with nine points, closely followed by Bangladesh with eight. Afghanistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are level on three points apiece, while Maldives continue their hunt for a breakthrough win.
As the tournament pauses for a rest day on October 25, teams and officials will regroup before returning to action on Sunday, October 26, for another round of decisive clashes.
The stage is set for more drama, determination, and unforgettable moments as the CAVA Cup for Men 2025 continues to shine a spotlight on the finest talents and fiercest rivalries in South and Central Asian volleyball.
STANDINGS
(as of October 24, 2025)
1. Turkmenistan – 3 wins (9 points)
2. Bangladesh – 3 wins (7 points)
3. Nepal – 1 win (4 points)
4. Afghanistan – 1 win (4 points)
5. Sri Lanka – 1 win (3 points)
6. Maldives – 0 win (0 point)
MATCH SCHEDULE
Day 4 (October 25, 2025) Rest Day
Day 5 (October 26, 2025)
• 1:00pm – Afghanistan vs Nepal
• 3:30pm – Sri Lanka vs Maldives
• 5:30pm – Bangladesh vs Turkmenistan
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