Malé, Maldives, July 23, 2025 – The CAVA Men’s Champions League 2025 concluded in spectacular fashion at the Social Centre Indoor Hall in Malé, Maldives, as Zhaiyk VC of Kazakhstan secured the championship title in a thrilling gold medal match against Bishkek of Kyrgyzstan, winning 3–1 (26–24, 25–21, 20–25, 25–22).
The final match was graced by Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed, the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development of the Republic of Maldives, who attended as the Chief Guest. His presence underscored the significance of regional sports development and the strengthening of cultural ties through volleyball.
A Showcase of Power and Precision
Zhaiyk VC’s victory was built on a strong foundation of teamwork, tactical discipline, and standout performances. Vitaliy Erdshtein, a force at the net with 16 spikes and 8 blocks, played a pivotal role in securing the win for Zhaiyk VC. His dominant presence throughout the tournament earned him the highest individual honour – Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the CAVA Men’s Champions League 2025.
Despite a valiant effort from Bishkek, led by Omurbek Zhunusov, who hammered down 20 spikes and added 8 blocks, Zhaiyk’s consistency and execution proved decisive. Zhunusov’s stellar play earned him a spot in the Dream Team as one of the Best Outside Hitters.
Bronze for Nepal’s Rising Stars
In the bronze medal match, Help Nepal Sports Club (HNS) edged out Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLP) in a 3–1 battle (25–20, 25–15, 20–25, 25–21). The Nepalese side showcased their growing prowess on the regional stage. Jehan Murad led the charge with 18 spikes and 5 blocks, earning recognition as one of the Best Outside Hitters.
HNS libero Santosh Rai was a defensive wall, earning the Best Libero accolade for his consistent reception and digging throughout the tournament.
Up Next: CAVA Women’s Nations League 2025
With the Men’s Champions League wrapped up in style, eyes now turn to the next major event on the CAVA calendar – the CAVA Women’s Nations League 2025, scheduled to take place from October 11-17, 2025 in Kathmandu, Nepal.
The event promises to bring together the region’s best women’s national teams in a celebration of athletic excellence, unity, and empowerment through sport.
CAVA President Mohamed Latheef, himself AVC Executive Vice President and President of Volleyball Association of Maldives, expressed gratitude to all participating teams, referees, sponsors, and volunteers for their role in making the Men’s Champions League a success and looked ahead with optimism to October’s Women’s Nations League.
“This tournament was a testament to the rising level of volleyball in Central Asia. We now look forward to continuing this momentum with our women’s national teams in Kathmandu,” said President Latheef.
DREAM TEAM
Most Valuable Player: Vitaliy Erdshtein (ZHK – Kazakhstan)
Best Outside Hitters: Murad Jehan (HNS – Nepal), Omurbek Zhunusov (BKZ – Kyrgyzstan)
Best Middle Blockers: Nurislam Medetbek Uulu (BKZ – Kyrgyzstan), Vladimir Prokofyev (ZHK – Kazakhstan)
Best Setter: Volodymyr Kovalchuk (ZHK – Kazakhstan)
Best Libero: Santosh Rai (HNS – Nepal)
Best Opposite Player: Vitaliy Erdshtein (ZHK – Kazakhstan)
FINAL TEAM RANKINGS
1. Zhaiyk VC (ZHK) – Kazakhstan
2. Bishkek–Kyrgyzstan (BKZ) – Kyrgyzstan
3. Help Nepal Sports Club (HNS) – Nepal
4. Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLP) – Sri Lanka
5. Dhivehi Sifainge Club (DSC) – Maldives
6. Club HDC (HDC) – Maldives
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
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