Cava Men’s Club Championship: Hosts HNC and Iran Club Shine

Kathmandu, Nepal, December 11, 2024 – The hosting team, Help Nepal Sports Club, along with Iran Club, showcased their exceptional talent by defeating their opponents decisively to maintain their unbeaten streaks in the highly competitive 2024 CAVA Men’s Club Volleyball Championship. This thrilling event took place at the National Sports Council Covered Hall in Kathmandu on Wednesday, captivating the audience with high-stakes volleyball action.

The excitement on Day 5 of the single round-robin preliminaries was palpable, as two exhilarating matches kept fans at the gymnasium thoroughly engaged and cheering for their teams. Every serve, spike, and block was met with enthusiasm, making it a day to remember for volleyball lovers.

In the first match, Iran Club demonstrated their prowess by achieving a decisive victory over the Calicut Heroes from India. They won in straight sets, with scores of 27-25, 25-22, and 25-20, all within a swift 61 minutes of playtime. This match reflected Iran Club’s strategic mindset and ability to perform under pressure.

Opposite hitter Amir Naderi Noureyni emerged as the standout athlete for Iran Club, delivering an impressive performance with a total of 16 points comprised of 12 attacks, one block, and three aces. His remarkable contribution was complemented by middle blocker Mohammed Nima Bateni and outside hitter Mohammad Amin Rahimi, who added 14 and 12 points respectively, showcasing the team’s depth and offensive capability.

Despite the loss, Vinit Kurar, the opposite for Calicut Heroes, exhibited his skill by scoring 11 points, all through attacks, emphasizing his ability to perform at a high level even in defeat. His efforts, however, were unable to secure a win for the team.

Iran Club’s strategic advantages, including their powerful serves and tactical gameplay, proved overwhelming for the Indian team, securing their position as serious contenders in the championship.

The second match had the Help Nepal Sports Club (HNC) thrilling the home crowd with their nearly flawless execution against Club HDC from the Maldives, culminating in a dramatic 3-1 victory with set scores of 25-22, 24-26, 25-19, and 25-21. This match highlighted the resilience and skill of the home team.

Outside hitter Chirag from Club HDC delivered an outstanding performance, achieving a match-high of 32 points from 29 attacks and 3 blocks, the best of the day. His efforts were commendable, showcasing his talent in a competitive environment.

Nonetheless, this remarkable performance was not sufficient to overcome the collective strength of HNC, which was spearheaded by outside hitter Mubashar Raza from Pakistan. He contributed significantly with 23 points from 22 attacks and one ace, ultimately leading his team to victory.

Following the results from Wednesday’s matches, HNC remains at the top of the five-team standings with a total of 8 points from three consecutive wins. Iran Club closely trails them with 7 points, also from three victories. Calicut Heroes rank third with 4 points from one win against two losses, while Club HDC sits fourth with 3 points from one win and three losses.

At the bottom of the standings is Gandaki Pradesh, who have accumulated 2 points from three consecutive losses. However, their upcoming match against Calicut Heroes presents an opportunity for the Nepalese club to potentially rise to the fourth position in the standings.

The final day of the preliminaries, set for Thursday, promises even more thrilling action as teams fiercely compete for their rankings. At 13:00 local time, Iran Club will face Help Nepal Sports Club in a highly anticipated match, as both teams strive to secure their positions atop the standings while maintaining their unbeaten records. Following that, Gandaki Pradesh will take on Calicut Heroes at 15:30.

To commemorate the spirit of unity and camaraderie in the sport, the Nepal Volleyball Association will host a gala dinner on Thursday night for all participating teams and match officials. This special event aims to celebrate the shared passion for volleyball and to reinforce the bonds within the volleyball community.

The stakes are high, and every point will be crucial as teams vie for a coveted spot in the Friday semifinals. Stay tuned for more exhilarating volleyball action!

RESULTS FROM WEDNESDAY’S MATCHES