Dushanbe, Tajikistan, July 5, 2025 – The fifth day of the CAVA U16 Girls’ Volleyball Championship 2025 in Dushanbe unfolded with two electrifying semifinal clashes that captivated the growing crowd at Olympic Palace. The stakes were high and the energy palpable, as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan punched their tickets to the much-anticipated final with contrasting yet equally impressive performances.
In the opening semifinal, tournament favorites Kazakhstan put on a volleyball masterclass, dismantling hosts Tajikistan in straight sets (25–12, 25–15, 25–7) in just over an hour.
From the very first whistle, Kazakhstan displayed composure, superior tactical discipline, and clinical execution. Their serve-receive system was nearly flawless, neutralizing Tajikistan’s attempts to build momentum. Margarita Vagner and Tomiris Kurmasheva were instrumental, combining smart court vision with powerful strikes to keep the home side scrambling.
The Kazakh block was nearly impenetrable, particularly in the third set where they restricted Tajikistan to a mere 7 points, highlighting their complete dominance. With this commanding win, Kazakhstan not only secured their place in the final but also sent a strong message that they remain the team to beat.
The second semifinal was a dramatic contrast – a gritty, emotional rollercoaster that saw Uzbekistan overcome a spirited Kyrgyzstan in hard-fought four sets (25–23, 25–22, 9–25, 25–22).
Uzbekistan began strong, narrowly clinching the first two sets with sharp serves and aggressive net play. However, Kyrgyzstan roared back in the third set, completely overwhelming Uzbekistan with an astonishing 25–9 set victory, one of the most lopsided set of the tournament.
The momentum seemed to shift as Kyrgyz players, led by Asylzat Maksutova and Irina Onoprienko, found their rhythm and rattled Uzbekistan’s defense. But the Uzbek team, showing tremendous resilience, recalibrated in the fourth set. Key contributions from Malika Asliddinova and Oykhon Kholiyarova sparked a renewed fighting spirit that saw them regain control and close the match with a decisive 25–22 set, sealing a hard-earned 3–1 victory after nearly two hours of intense play.
With Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan now set for a thrilling final showdown, the championship promises a spectacular conclusion. Meanwhile, hosts Tajikistan will face Kyrgyzstan in the bronze medal match, a battle for pride and podium glory.
As the dust settles on semifinal day, one thing is clear: youth volleyball in Central Asia is rising fast, powered by fearless talent, passionate crowds, and unforgettable matches.
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