The Sri Lankan and Kyrgyzstan girls’ volleyball teams managed to claim top honours on the opening day of the CAVA (Central Asian Volleyball Association) Under 19 Volleyball Championship 2025 at Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, Colombo.
The second edition of the CAVA Women’s U19 Volleyball Championship 2025 unfolded with a charming opening ceremony. The president of the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation, Senior DIG Sajeewa Madawatta; the secretary of the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation, Wing Commander Akila de Alwis; the secretary general of CAVA, Mr A.S. Nalaka; and other distinguished guests were present at the ceremony.
The curtain-raising game saw the hosts, Sri Lanka, clash against the neighbouring islanders from Maldives. Sri Lankan girls started the first set in an unorthodox manner by sending a jumping serve straight into the net, gifting the first point to Maldives. Then Sri Lankan lasses pulled up their socks and took their first point through a cover-out ball. Sri Lanka made a few mistakes earlier, and hence the game was in the balance at 04 – 03 points. Then the towering player of Sangamiththa Balika Vidyalaya, Kirindiwela, Apsara Kahandawa, came in to serve, and her rally escalated Sri Lanka’s points tally with 7 straight points. Since then, Lankan lasses never looked back and took the victory with style (Sri Lanka 25 – 09 Nepal).
Sri Lanka started their second set in an ideal manner as their captain, Sulakshana, slashed a spike across the diagonal of the court. Until the middle of the set, Maldives managed to stay within touching distance from Sri Lanka, and by the time the scores read as 12 – 07. Then Sulakshana and Apasara launched a fierce attack with lightning spikes, and Sri Lanka easily managed to win the second set with the same winning margin as in the first set (Sri Lanka 25 – 09 Nepal).
During the latter part of the second set and third set, Sri Lanka checked their bench strength by making multiple substitutions. Scoring of the third set started with a fine spike by Minhath Ahmed, who is the tallest (6 feet and 2 inches) on both sides. Maldives showcased an impressive and improved performance in the third set, and at one point the scores were tied with eight points. But then onwards Sri Lanka came into the party with flashing spikes and intelligent ball placings. Sri Lanka reached match point when Maldives’ score was at 12 points. But the ladies from the Maldives made Sri Lanka wait by securing three straight points. Then a loose serve by Maldives gave Sri Lanka’s winning point by stamping a dominant 03 – 00 victory in the opening game (Sri Lanka 25 – 15 Nepal).
The promising player from Ruwanwella Rajasinghe, Sulakshana Pasinduni Abeyrathne, was the main contributor with her insight of the game and technical play, apart from her leadership role. Further, Maldives had no answers against the flashing shots of Apsara, and Harshani Wijerathne also immensely contributed to the victory by reading the game and taking quick and accurate decisions in both defence and attack.
Sri Lanka Team – Sulakshana Pasiduni Abeyrathne (Captain), Hiruni Prabodha, Harshani Nisansala Wijerathne, Thisandi Thushmini, Pavani Pabasara, Tanashi Bhaghya, Apsara Nethmini, Vihangi Ahinsa, Chathsika Dilshani, Nethmi Divyanjali, Nethya Minduli, and Jineshi Madushani.
Supporting Staff: Head Coach – Charles Thilakarathne, Assistant Coach – Udaya Rukmal, Team Manager Chaminda Lakshman, Lady Chaperone – Nadeeka Sandamali and Trainer Rushan Jayakody.
Maldives Team – Maanaa Nazin (Captain), Yamnu Shahid, Hamna Mohommad, Deema Nadheem, Amanee Ahmed Shyam, Neesha Fifshaan, Imsha Ali, Liwa Ibrahim, Eeman Ali, Eshal Ali, Minhath Ahmed, Munaa Munir (Head Coach)
In the second clash of the day, the strong Kyrgyzstan outfit clashed with the Nepal ladies. Since the start of the game, it has delivered more spice than the opening game. The opening phase of the game saw a see-saw battle for the lead. Later, the Kyrgyzstan ladies managed to maintain a slender lead, but the Nepali girls were also up to the task by staying in touching distance as far as points are concerned. In the final phase, Nepal managed to shock the strong Kyrgyz side and took the victory (Kyrgyzstan 22 – 25 Nepal).
The Kyrgyzstan ladies had a better start to the second set and gained a six-point lead at the first technical time-out. Since then, Kyrgyzstan managed to find their rhythm against high-riding Nepali girls. The height of the Kyrgyz girls was decisive in the second set, and they easily went on to win against the relatively short defence of Nepal (Kyrgyzstan 25 – 14 Nepal).
Nepal started the third set with back-to-back points with some strong spike shots. Then Kyrgyzstan entered the battle, and the lead was exchanged between the sides until the midway. During the latter part of the play, Nepal cruised to a win with sharp and strong spikes coupled with some intelligent placements (Kyrgyzstan 25 – 18 Nepal).
The crucial fourth set was another twisting battle between the sides as the teams fought tooth and nail. At one point the scores read as 20 all, displaying the quality of the sides. In the final phase of the set, Nepal made a few mistakes, and it cost them the set (Kyrgyzstan 25 – 22 Nepal).
The fifth and final set started with an eye-catching fight between the girls. During the early phase the game was in the balance, and when scores were 4 all, it was anybody’s game. But Kyrgyz girls stood tall at the crucial junctures of the game and gradually developed a lead. During the final phase of the game, the Kyrgyz came out on top of Nepal and stamped a hard-fought win over spirited Nepali girls (Kyrgyzstan 15 – 09 Nepal).
Tomorrow’s fixtures
- Match 1 – Sri Lanka vs Nepal 2.00 pm
- Match 2 – Kyrgyzstan vs Maldives 4.30 pm
 Under 19 Volleyball Championship 2025 at Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, Colombo. ){kind=link}