India defeats Kyrgyzstan 3-1 in Tashkent to seal podium finish; Captain Mahendra Dhurwe named Player of the Tournament of U19 CAVA Championships
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 16 In a spirited display of resilience and rising potential, India’s U-19 Men’s Volleyball team clinched the bronze medal at the 2025 Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) U-19 Men’s Championship, defeating Kyrgyzstan 3-1 in the third-place playoff.
After a mixed campaign in the group stage, the young Indian squad came together when it mattered most. In the bronze medal match held at the Bunyodkor Sports Complex, India bounced back from a first-set setback to outplay Kyrgyzstan with set scores of 21-25, 25-14, 25-08, and 25-23. The result marked a significant moment for Indian youth volleyball on the international stage.
A Gritty Road to Bronze
The tournament began with a tough 0-3 defeat to a strong Iranian outfit (16-25, 14-25, 20-25), putting the Indian team on the back foot early. But the boys in blue rebounded strongly, defeating Kyrgyzstan in their second group match (25-14, 27-25, 25-23). However, another straight-set loss to hosts Uzbekistan-I stalled India’s momentum, forcing them into a must-win clash against Uzbekistan-II to stay in medal contention.
India rose to the occasion, claiming a 3-1 win (25-20, 20-25, 25-19, 25-22) and sealing their spot in the bronze medal match. With renewed confidence, they faced Kyrgyzstan once again this time in a high-stakes encounter.
Despite losing the first set, India adjusted their strategy, showing improved coordination in attack and defence. Captain Mahendra Dhurwe led from the front with a dominating presence at the net, ably supported by standout performers Kunal Das, Adarsh Rai, Rajat Singh, and Akhilan Kamaraj. The team’s ability to respond under pressure was evident as they stormed through the next two sets before edging a tense fourth set 25-23 to seal the win and the bronze medal.
Individual Brilliance and Team Effort
Captain Mahendra Dhurwe was named Player of the Tournament for his consistent attacking prowess, earning recognition as the best attacker of the championship. His leadership, combined with the tactical acumen of Head Coach K.R. Lakshminarayan, proved critical in India’s turnaround after a rocky start.
Other key contributors included Kunal Das, whose all-round play added balance to the squad, and Adarsh Rai, Rajat Singh, and Mohinder, who provided crucial momentum in tight situations. Their composure in decisive moments showcased the maturity and depth of the Indian bench.
The 12-member squad featured promising talents from across the country: Mahendra Dhurwe (Captain), Rajat Singh, Ashish Kumar, Sunil Muwal, Nandamudi Mourya, Vignesh Shanmugan, Adarsh Rai, Aadhi Krishna Nediyara, Kunal Das, Akhilan Kamaraj, Alok Manoj Todkar, and Nikhil Jat.
Behind the Scenes: A Unified Support Team
India’s success was not only a result of the players’ performances but also of the dedicated support staff that guided them through the campaign. Assistant coaches Surinder Kumar and Mohd Javeed, therapist Dr. Utkarsh Kulshreshta, and referee Narender Kshatriya played vital roles in ensuring the players were both physically and mentally prepared for the tournament.
The team was assembled and managed under the guidance of the Volleyball Federation of India’s Adhoc Committee, with Kuldeep Magotra serving as Team Manager. Speaking after the match, Magotra said:
The Broader Impact
India’s podium finish at the CAVA U-19 Championship underscores the growing momentum in Indian volleyball, especially at the grassroots and developmental levels. As powerhouses like Iran and Uzbekistan continue to set the benchmark in the region, India’s ability to compete and medal signals a promising shift in competitive stature.
Iran claimed the gold medal in the tournament, defeating Uzbekistan-I in a high-octane final. While India may have missed out on a place in the title clash, their bronze medal earned through sheer grit and determination is a significant achievement for the volleyball community back home.
With this success, the Indian U-19 team has not only brought home a medal but also renewed hopes for the future of Indian volleyball. The experience gained in Tashkent will serve as an important stepping stone for these athletes, many of whom are likely to feature in future senior-level tournaments and possibly international leagues.
The team’s performance has already caught the attention of volleyball enthusiasts, coaches, and scouts across the continent, and rightly so. Their ability to bounce back from adversity, adapt to pressure, and perform on the big stage reflects a maturity beyond their years.
As the young squad returns home with bronze medals around their necks, they bring with them the promise of a new era in Indian volleyball one built on commitment, discipline, and belief.
