Bangkok, Thailand, December 27, 2022 – Hosts Bangladesh struggled hard to narrowly edge past Kyrgyzstan in hard-fought five-set thriller to underline their supremacy over the 2022 Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Men’s U23 Volleyball Championship at Shaheed Suhrawardi National Indoor Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka on Monday.
The electrifying final showdown on Monday saw the host side, which had already beaten Kyrgyzstan 3-1 in the single round-robin preliminaries earlier, add another agony to the same wounds of the formidable opponents after pulling off dramatic five-set win 25-18, 15-25, 22-25, 25-19, 18-16 to capture the eventual title with remarkable unbeaten records.
As Kyrgyzstan fielded a strong lineup spearheaded by the three musketeers – Zheenbek Uulu, Medetbek Uulu and Ravkhat Uulu, Bangladesh also looked a side packed with talents including Shafin, Titash, Sujon and Redowan.
Bangladesh made a confident start to snatch the opening set 25-18 before the visitors clawed their way back to win the next two sets 25-15, 25-22 for a 2-1 advantage.
Although Medetbek Uulu and Abdimomun Uulu were defending brilliantly at the net, blocking almost everything the rivals could throw at them, Kyrgyzstan had been forced to play catch-up yet again and failed to really get out of second gear when the host team roared back and cruised on to win the fourth set 25-19.
The decider was hotly-contested as both teams poured everything to win the set, match and championship. Bangladesh managed to put more pressure on the rivals and played with more determination after that for a narrow 18-16 win and the eventual title.
Shafin chipped in with 19 points for Bangladesh, while Shojib and Titash added 14 and 13 points respectively. Zheenbek Uulu scored a match-high 27 points and Medetbek Uulu contributed 23 points on Kyrgyzstan’s losing effort.
In the third-place playoff clash earlier, Sri Lanka, which had already brushed off Nepal in straight sets in the round-robin play, produced a magnificent come-from-behind victory against the same opponents 22-25, 25-19, 25-19, 20-25, 15-10 to pick up bronze medal.
The imposing figure of Shanuka was the star of the show in this tough match as he gained an incredible 5 points from blocks and 13 spikes in a personal haul of 18. However, it was Kavishka, who led the Sri Lanka’s scorers with 24 points including 23 attacks. Basnet led Nepal with 23 points including 19 attacks and 3 blocks.
CAVA President Mr Mohamed Latheef presided over the awards presentation and closing ceremony on Monday. He congratulated the medallists as well as all participants. And also he congratulated Mr Md Atiqul Islam, President of Bangladesh Volleyball Federation, on his team’s victory in this championship and a successful hosting.
President Latheef also highlighted that the success of Bangladesh is hosting competitions. Bangladesh has been hosting minimum one volleyball competition since 2015 and encouraged to host more international volleyball competitions.
BVF President Mr Atiqul Islam thanked all teams for their participation to make the competition successful. Also he appreciated the hard work of Bangladesh volleyball team to make the country proud. President Atiqul said he will continue hosting but not only volleyball, but also beach volleyball too as Bangladesh, he claimed, has the longest beach in this region.
Apart from CAVA President Mr Mohamed Latheef and Bangladesh Volleyball Federation President Mr Atiqul Islam to present medals and trophies to the winners, Chief Guest General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed the Chief of Bangladesh Army, Mr Mohammed Younus, Senior Vice President, Bangladesh Volleyball Federation, and Mr Ashiqur Rahman Miku, General Secretary, Bangladesh Volleyball Federation, also attended the ceremony to present medals and trophies to medallists.
Champions: Bangladesh
Second place: Kyrgyzstan
Third place: Sri Lanka
MATCH RESULTS AND FINAL STANDING
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
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