India clinches bronze at CAVA U-19 Men’s Volleyball Championship 2025 with win over Kyrgyzstan
Iran defeats Uzbekistan-I to clinch gold
STATE TIMES NEWS
TASHKENT/JAMMU: India’s U-19 Men’s Volleyball team scripted a remarkable comeback story by clinching the bronze medal at the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) U-19 Men’s Championship 2025 held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The young Indian squad showcased exceptional resilience and teamwork to defeat Kyrgyzstan 3-1 in the bronze medal clash, with set scores of 21-25, 25-14, 25-08, and 25-23.
In a thrilling final showdown, Iran triumphed over Uzbekistan-I to secure the gold medal, leaving their opponents with silver. The match showcased exceptional skill and determination from both sides, but Iran ultimately emerged victorious, solidifying their dominance in the competition.
The Indian team showcased immense talent, determination, and team spirit throughout the tournament.
The match began with a shaky start for India as Kyrgyzstan took the first set 25-21. However, the Indian boys quickly regrouped under pressure and displayed tactical brilliance in the following sets. With explosive attacks and tight defence, they dominated the second set 25-14 and steamrolled through the third set with an emphatic 25-08 win. The fourth set proved to be a nail-biter, but India held their nerves to seal it 25-23 and with it, the Bronze Medal.
India’s captain, Mahendra Dhurwe, stood out throughout the tournament with his outstanding offensive play. He was honored with the Player of the Tournament award for being the best attacker, highlighting his pivotal role in India’s campaign.
Earlier in the tournament, India had a mixed campaign. They began with a 0-3 loss to Iran (16-25, 14-25, 20-25) but bounced back strongly with a 3-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan (25-14, 27-25, 25-23) in their second outing. However, a tough 0-3 defeat to Uzbekistan-I followed. Refusing to be disheartened, the Indian team made a strong statement by overcoming Uzbekistan-II in a crucial match (25-20, 20-25, 25-19, 25-22) to reach the Bronze Medal round.
Standout players Mohinder, Kunal Das, Adarsh Rai, Rajat Singh, Akhilan Kamaraj were instrumental throughout the tournament, earning praise for their consistent performance, composure under pressure, and unbreakable spirit on the court. Their contributions, combined with the strategic leadership of Head Coach K.R. Lakshminarayan, proved vital in India’s podium finish.
The Indian team, mentored by assistant coaches Surinder Kumar and Mohd Javeed, and supported by a dedicated staff including Dr. Utkarsh Kulshreshta (Therapist) and referee Narender Kshatriya, was formed under the supervision of the Volleyball Federation of India’s Adhoc Committee. Their coordinated efforts ensured the young team was both mentally and physically prepared for the challenge.
Team Manager Kuldeep Magotra expressed immense pride in the squad’s achievement, stating, “These young players have showcased the heart of champions. Their performance in this championship is a reflection of hard work, unity, and undying passion for the sport.”
“This bronze medal marks a significant achievement for India in youth volleyball on the international stage. It is not just a victory in a match, but a testament to the growing strength and potential of Indian volleyball at the grassroots level. With consistent support, infrastructure, and training, these young stars are poised to become the torchbearers of Indian volleyball in future international tournaments,” Magotra said.
The 12-member Indian contingent featured top emerging talents such as Rajat Singh, Mahendra Dhurwe (Captain), Ashish Kumar, Sunil Muwal, Nandamudi Mourya, Vignesh Shanmugan, Adarsh Rai, Aadhi Krishna Nediyara, Kunal Das, Akhilan Kamaraj, Alok Manoj Todkar, Nikhil Jat, drawn from across the nation. This Bronze Medal is not just a reward for their efforts in Tashkent but a promising sign of what lies ahead for the future of Indian volleyball.
With this podium finish, India has once again stamped its presence in the international volleyball scene, inspiring countless young athletes back home. As the team returns with pride and a medal in hand, they carry with them the hopes of a brighter, stronger future for Indian volleyball.
