2024 CAVA Beach Volleyball Champions: Ghalehnovi & Kabulbekova

Top Teams from Iran and Kazakhstan Dominate Men’s and Women’s Finals Against Sri Lankan Competitors

Iranians Amirali GhalehNovi and Abolhassan Khakizadeh Secure Victory in Men’s Championship

Negombo, Sri Lanka, January 26, 2025 – In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 CAVA Beach Volleyball Championships, Iranian teams Amirali GhalehNovi/Abolhassan Khakizadeh and Kazakhstan’s Laura Kabulbekova/Nadezhda Ivanchenko crushed the hopes of Sri Lankan teams. They achieved this by decisively defeating Dileepa Senarathna/Malith Silva and Deepika Bandara/Kasuni Alawaththage in their respective finals, thereby clinching the men’s and women’s titles on a sun-soaked Sunday.

Kazakhstan’s Laura Kabulbekova and Nadezhda Ivanchenko Celebrate Women’s Championship Victory

After three exhilarating days filled with intense matches, the rescheduled 2024 CAVA Beach Volleyball Championships, initially slated for last December, culminated in an unforgettable spectacle as elite teams vied for supremacy on the stunning beaches of Negombo. The event showcased the region’s best talent and athletic prowess, drawing enthusiastic spectators who were treated to high-energy encounters.

The double-gender tournament, taking place from January 24 to 26, featured a series of nail-biting matches that highlighted the remarkable athleticism and competitive spirit of the participants, leaving fans captivated by the outstanding performances.

In the women’s final held on that exciting Sunday, the Kazakh duo of Kabulbekova/Ivanchenko showcased their exceptional skills and teamwork to overpower Sri Lankan eighth seeds Deepika/Kasuni, winning in straight sets with scores of 21-11 and 21-17. Their flawless execution and strategic play throughout the tournament not only earned them the gold medal but also 240 championship points, marking an impressive unbeaten record.

Earlier in the tournament, the Kazakhs faced a formidable challenge in the semifinals against the Sri Lankan pair of Wattelage Shehani Ashanga and Chaturika Weerasinghe, managing to stage a remarkable comeback to win 2-1 (14-21, 21-15, 15-7). This thrilling match demonstrated the resilience and skill of the Kazakh athletes, setting the stage for their finals triumph.

In an electrifying third-place playoff, Shehani and Chaturika secured the bronze medal after a closely contested match against fellow Sri Lankans Disanayaka Kasuni Keshala and Wasana Dhamatissa, finishing with a 2-0 (21-15, 21-19) victory. This all-Sri Lankan clash not only highlighted the rising strength of women’s beach volleyball in the nation but also captivated the audience with its intensity and excitement.

The men’s final was equally thrilling as Iran’s top seeds GhalehNovi and Abolhassan, who had previously triumphed over Sri Lankans Anjana Manikkuhewage and Sandun Madusanka Fernando with a score of 2-0 (21-18, 21-15) in the semifinals, showcased their dominance once again. They delivered a convincing performance against Sri Lanka’s Dileepa and Malith, winning decisively with scores of 2-0 (21-13, 21-13) in the championship match. This victory not only secured them the gold medal but also solidified their status as top contenders in the tournament.

For the Iranian duo, this victory represented a sweet form of revenge after they had previously faced a narrow 1-2 defeat against the same opponents during their Pool A encounter on January 24. Their remarkable performance throughout the tournament culminated in a well-deserved gold medal and 240 championship points.

The championship event welcomed a total of 18 teams, with 9 representing men’s and women’s categories respectively, from six CAVA nations, including Kazakhstan, Iran, Sri Lanka, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, and Bhutan. This gathering underscored CAVA’s dedication to fostering and promoting beach volleyball talent across the region.

The closing ceremony was a vibrant celebration, recognizing the players’ remarkable achievements with the presentation of medals, trophies, and lively cultural performances, leaving both participants and spectators with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

The overwhelming success of the 2024 CAVA Beach Volleyball Championships highlights the increasing popularity of beach volleyball in Central Asia. Enthusiastic fans eagerly look forward to future tournaments, as events such as this continue to foster friendship and excellence across national borders.

Detailed Match Results from the Championships

Men’s Championship Results