Sri Lanka emerged champions in the men’s category while India took the women’s crown as the CAVA Beach Volleyball Championship concluded at Changlimithang after three days of regional competition.
The tournament brought together 21 teams from seven countries — Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Nepal and Uzbekistan — competing across the men’s and women’s events.
In the men’s competition, Sri Lanka produced a commanding performance in the final to defeat India’s Team One in straight sets and secure the championship. The victory marked Sri Lanka’s first gold medal at the tournament.
The Sri Lankan pair remained composed throughout the title clash, maintaining control of the contest to finish the tournament on top.
“This is the first time Sri Lanka has won a gold medal in this tournament, so we are very proud to receive it. We would like to thank the Bhutan Volleyball Federation for organising such a great tournament,” Sri Lankan player Sadun said.
Sri Lanka coach Onur also praised his players and the atmosphere at the championship.
“I am very happy. They are great heroes this year. Please talk to my players. It is great. I am very happy. Thank you very much. This is a very great atmosphere. I am very happy to be here,” he said.
Hosts Bhutan came close to securing a place on the men’s podium after progressing to the semi-finals. Bhutan’s Team One, represented by Jurme Rangdal and Tshering Dorji, faced India’s Team One, comprising Barath and Rajesh, for a place in the final.
The Indian pair proved too strong in the semi-final, defeating Bhutan in straight sets.
Bhutan then had another opportunity to secure a medal when it faced India’s Team Two in the bronze medal playoff. The home pair put up a determined challenge but were again beaten in straight sets, leaving India’s Team Two with the bronze medal.
India enjoyed further success in the women’s competition, where its Team One defeated Nepal’s Team One 2–1 in a closely contested final to take the gold medal.
Indian player Deepika said winning the championship was the culmination of the team’s ambition throughout the tournament.
“We are very happy and proud to win the gold medal. We have been aiming for the gold, and we are very happy that we achieved it today. I would like to thank our coaches for their support and guidance throughout the tournament,” she said.
India also secured the women’s bronze medal, with Team Two overcoming Nepal’s Team Two 2–1 in the third-place playoff.
The women’s semi-finals had seen India’s Team One defeat Nepal’s Team Two, while Nepal’s Team One prevailed against India’s Team Two to book its place in the final.
India coach Asha Mohandas said the team had arrived at the championship determined to return home with the top prize.
“So, what people in India were expecting was that, hopefully, we would win gold. When I came on day one, they asked me at the press conference, and I said confidently that they would win gold. They would win only gold. So today, in the final, they won gold and also the bronze,” she said.
Beyond the medals, the championship offered Bhutanese players an opportunity to test themselves against teams from across South Asia and beyond. Competing against more experienced international opponents provided the hosts with valuable exposure while highlighting the growing level of competition in beach volleyball in the region.
With 21 teams taking part, the three-day championship also provided a platform for strengthening regional sporting ties and expanding the profile of beach volleyball in Bhutan.
