ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Hosts Pakistan remained unbeaten after two days of competition at the CAVA Men’s Volleyball Championship 2026, while Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan also secured victories in a tournament that has already produced four five-set matches at the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex.
The championship opened on Wednesday with three matches featuring Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan as teams began their quest for the regional title.
Kazakhstan claimed the tournament’s opening victory after edging Nepal 3-2 (25-19, 25-21, 32-34, 19-25, 15-9). Opposite hitter Mastikhin led Kazakhstan with 21 points, while Nepal mounted a spirited comeback behind Rabin’s 19 points and Pahal’s 15 before Kazakhstan prevailed in the deciding set.
Bangladesh followed with another five-set victory, defeating Uzbekistan 3-2 (25-20, 26-28, 26-24, 21-25, 15-12). Uzbekistan’s Sobirov produced a match-high 32 points, but Bangladesh relied on the combined efforts of outside hitter Pavel and middle blocker Sujon to secure the win.
Pakistan completed the opening day’s action with a convincing 3-0 (25-16, 25-15, 25-18) victory over Sri Lanka, producing a disciplined performance to delight the home crowd and begin its campaign on a winning note.
The tournament’s opening ceremony was held before the final match on Day 1, with participating teams introduced to the spectators as dignitaries highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and the continued growth of volleyball in Central Asia.
Competition continued Thursday with another three matches, two of which went the full five sets.
Sri Lanka earned its first victory of the championship after overcoming Nepal 3-2 (25-18, 21-25, 19-25, 25-21, 15-10). Outside hitter Tharusha led the winners with 27 points, while Sandeepa added 16. Nepal was paced by Sunil with 21 points and Pahal with 23, but Sri Lanka held firm in the deciding set.
Uzbekistan rebounded from its opening-day defeat to outlast Kazakhstan 3-2 (19-25, 25-22, 27-29, 26-24, 16-14). Sobirov once again led Uzbekistan with 19 points, supported by outside hitters Haydarov and Mamayusufov, who each contributed 16 points in the hard-fought victory.
Pakistan capped another successful day by defeating Bangladesh in straight sets, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-22), to improve to 2-0 in the tournament. Backed by strong home support, the hosts controlled the match with consistent attacking play and disciplined defense to maintain their unbeaten record.
After two days of competition, Pakistan sits atop the standings with consecutive victories, while Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan have each recorded one win. Nepal is still searching for its first victory as the race for the CAVA Men’s Volleyball Championship title continues in Islamabad.
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