Turkmenistan beat Afghanistan to become undefeated champions

Bangla Press Desk:  Turkmenistan emerged as the undefeated champions of the Central Asia Volleyball Association (CAVA) Cup, edging Afghanistan 3-2 in a thrilling final at the Shaheed Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium in Mirpur on Tuesday. With this victory, Turkmenistan secured their third CAVA Cup title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2015 and 2018.

Turkmenistan entered the final as favourites after winning all five of their matches in the round-robin phase. However, Afghanistan, which had shown strong form throughout the tournament with three victories, pushed the champions to the edge in the title decider.

Afghanistan started confidently, taking the first set 25-20 to seize early control. Turkmenistan responded in the second set, adjusting their rhythm and levelling the match with a 25-21 win. The contest swung again in the third set, as Afghanistan regained its lead with a strong 25-18 finish to go 2-1 up.

Just when momentum appeared to favour Afghanistan, Turkmenistan displayed remarkable composure and resilience. They claimed the fourth set 25-20, forcing the match into a decisive fifth set.

The final set was packed with tension and intensity, with both teams locked at 11-11 at one stage. But Turkmenistan held their nerve when it mattered most, pulling ahead to clinch the set 15-12 and with it, the championship title. The players celebrated with jubilation as the stadium echoed with applause for both teams’ spirited performances.

Following the match, Bangladesh Navy Chief Admiral M. Nazmul Hasan attended the ceremony as the chief guest and handed over the champion’s trophy. BNP Sports Secretary Aminul Haque and CAVA President Mohammad Latif were present as special guests. Also in attendance were Bangladesh Volleyball Federation President Faruk Hasan, Senior Vice President Latif Shahriar Zahedi, and General Secretary Bimal Ghosh Bhulu.

BP/SP