🏐 Indonesia Crowned Champions as SEA Men’s V.League 2025 Showcases Regional Volleyball Brilliance

 

Jakarta, July 22 — In what proved to be one of the most hotly contested editions of the SEA Men’s V.League yet, Indonesia emerged as overall champions of the 2025 tournament after a commanding second leg performance on home soil in Jakarta. The tournament, which featured defending champions Thailand, an increasingly competitive Vietnam, host Philippines, and debutants Cambodia, confirmed the rising standard of volleyball across Southeast Asia.

The two-leg round-robin event — held in Candon, Philippines (July 9–13) and Jakarta, Indonesia (July 16–20) — saw momentum swing from the more seasoned Thailand to a re-energized Indonesian squad that went undefeated in the second leg.

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🔥 Tournament Recap

🇵🇭 Leg 1 – Candon, Philippines

Thailand showed early intent, defeating Indonesia 3–1 in the opener and finishing top of the table. Vietnam produced a gritty campaign, pushing Indonesia to five sets, while Philippines delighted home fans with a straight-sets win over Vietnam but struggled to maintain consistency. Cambodia, in their maiden V.League appearance, fought hard but ended without a win.

Final Standings (Leg 1):

1. Thailand (3–1, 9 pts)

2. Indonesia (3–1, 8 pts)

3. Vietnam (2–2, 7 pts)

4. Philippines (1–3, 3 pts)

5. Cambodia (0–4, 1 pt)

🏅 MVP: Amorntep Konhan (Thailand)

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🇮🇩 Leg 2 – Jakarta, Indonesia

With the pressure on at home, Indonesia responded with ferocity, winning all four of their matches — including pulsating five-set victories over the Philippines and Thailand. Vietnam impressed once again, notably stunning Thailand 3–2 and edging the Philippines 3–1.

Final Standings (Leg 2):

1. Indonesia (4–0, 10 pts)

2. Vietnam (3–1, 8 pts)

3. Thailand (2–2, 7 pts)

4. Philippines (1–3, 5 pts)

5. Cambodia (0–4, 0 pts)

🏅 MVP: Boy Arnez Arabi (Indonesia)

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🎙️ Coach & Player Reactions

🗣️ Coach Jiang Jie (Indonesia):

“We knew after Candon that we had to be perfect at home. The boys showed heart and improved technically in the blocking department. Winning all four games, especially that thriller against Thailand, is a testament to our preparation and mental strength.”

🗣️ Boy Arnez Arabi (Indonesia), Leg 2 MVP:

“Playing in front of home fans gave me a boost. Every set mattered, and we fought for every point. This victory belongs to the whole team — from our libero to the last man on the bench.”

🗣️ Coach Park Ki-won (Vietnam):

“We are closing the gap. Our five-set win over Thailand shows our growth. We need to sharpen our service game, but we are on the right track.”

🗣️ Amorntep Konhan (Thailand), Leg 1 MVP:

“The team started strong, but we lost focus in Jakarta. Credit to Indonesia and Vietnam — they’ve really improved. We’ll bounce back.”

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⭐ Player Performances of Note

• Boy Arnez Arabi (Indonesia): Proved unstoppable in Leg 2, delivering kill after kill and rallying the crowd behind the team.

• Rivan Nurmulki (Indonesia): Consistent and clinical at the net, offering stability during crunch points.

• Nguyen Van Nam (Vietnam): Set the tempo for Vietnam with clever distribution and intelligent floor defense.

• Amorntep Konhan (Thailand): The veteran opposite hitter led Leg 1 with power, precision, and poise.

• Steven Rotoni (Philippines): Sparked home support in Candon with a 21-point match against Vietnam.

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🌍 What This Means for Southeast Asia

With Indonesia’s resurgence, Vietnam’s strong tactical evolution, and Thailand’s consistent pedigree, the 2025 SEA V.League solidified its role as a key pre-SEA Games litmus test.

📈 Key Takeaways:

• Indonesia’s bench depth and mental toughness were tournament-defining.

• Vietnam’s youth pipeline is producing results, with several under-23 players holding their own.

• Thailand’s transition phase might require tactical rethinking with younger blood on the horizon.

• Philippines, though unpredictable, remain dangerous on home soil and with better cohesion could contend seriously by 2026.

• Cambodia’s entry is a major step in regional development. Though winless, they earned praise for effort and discipline.

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🧭 The Road Ahead

• World Rankings Impact: Indonesia and Vietnam are set to climb in AVC and FIVB standings following this campaign.

• Talent Development: Several breakout performers are expected to be scouted by pro leagues in Japan, Korea, and Europe.

• SEA Games 2026 (Malaysia): This V.League served as a preview of what’s to come in the region’s biggest multi-sport event.

“This is no longer a two-team race,” said ASEAN Volleyball Federation technical director Thomas Lim. “Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand are now trading punches, and that’s what the SEA V.League was meant to deliver.”

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🏐 Final Standings – Combined Table

Team	Wins	Total Points	Legs Won
Indonesia	7	18	🏆 Leg 2
Thailand	5	16	🏆 Leg 1
Vietnam	5	15	—
Philippines	2	8	—
Cambodia	0	1	—

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📸 Visual Highlights

• 🇮🇩 Indonesia celebrating a 15–13 fifth-set win over Thailand in front of a packed Jakarta crowd.

• 🇻🇳 Vietnam’s bench erupting after sealing the comeback vs. Thailand.

• 🇰🇭 Cambodia’s players bowing to fans after their final match — a symbolic first step in international volleyball.

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📰 Editor’s Note

The 2025 SEA Men’s V.League didn't just crown a champion — it lit a fire. From the thunder of Jakarta to the passion in Candon, this was volleyball at its rawest and most promising. If this is a preview of the SEA Games to come, fans across the region are in for something special.

Hong Kong stages inspiring comeback to reverse two set lead to beat India in the 2025 AVC Women's Nations Cup

 

After suffering a 0-3 defeat to Vietnam in their opening match of the 2025 AVC Nations Cup, the Hong Kong women's volleyball team entered their second match against India under considerable pressure.

The tension was evident early on, as the team in white committed 14 unforced errors in the first two sets, allowing India to take a commanding 2-0 lead.

However, trailing seemed to liberate the Hong Kong players. Playing with renewed determination, key attackers WL Chim and team captain YC Yu stepped up, becoming pivotal in turning the game around. Hong Kong mounted an inspiring comeback, eventually defeating India 3-2 (22-25, 18-25, 25-15, 25-21, 18-16) in a thrilling match held on the evening of June 8 at Dong Anh Stadium in Hanoi.

This encounter is widely regarded as the most exhilarating and emotionally charged match of the tournament so far. As the final point secured their comeback victory, the Hong Kong players were overwhelmed with emotion—many shed tears of joy, and the celebrations among players and coaches mirrored those of a championship win.

Historically, Hong Kong has struggled in Asian volleyball competitions and is often categorized among the lower-tier teams. In their previous appearance at the AVC Challenge Cup 2024, they finished 8th out of 10 teams.

Despite those challenges, the victory over India propelled Hong Kong to third place in Group A. While advancing to the semi-finals remains an uphill battle, this comeback win has infused the team—especially captain YC Yu and her teammates—with a newfound confidence as they continue their journey in the AVC Nations Cup 2025.

CAVA Men’s Nations League 2025t shifted from Pakistan to Uzbekistan,India confirms CAVA men’s Nations League participation

The Central Asian Volleyball tournament from which India has withdrawn in the aftermath of the terror attack in Pahalgam has been shifted from Islamabad to Tashkent in Uzbekistan, an official of the Pakistan federation said on Saturday. A senior official of Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) said the Central Asia Volleyball Association (CAVA) has taken the decision to shift the event to Uzbekistan.

After initially pulling out of the tournament, India is set to compete at the upcoming CAVA (Central Asia Volleyball Association) Men’s Nations League after the host country was changed from Pakistan to Uzbekistan.

On Friday, the ad-hoc committee running the sport in India announced that selection trials will be held on May 6-7 at SAI NSSC Bengaluru followed by a training camp before the team’s departure to Uzbekistan.

“CAVA had the Annual General Meeting on April 25 in Nepal where other nations also expressed their discomfort regarding their participation in the tournament in Pakistan. So, it was decided that the tournament will be shifted to Uzbekistan but the dates will remain the same,” a source close to the ad-hoc committee confirmed

The scheduled dates of the tournament, to be contested among Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, have not been changed.On April 27, PVF official Abdul Ahad said India has withdrawn from the tournament which was earlier to be held in Islamabad from May 28.

Islamabad was supposed to host the tournament, and a 30-member Indian squad, including 22 players, was set to participate.

However, following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed, and the growing diplomatic tension between the two countries, the Indian government cancelled the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued to the contingent.

“The Indian Volleyball officials have informed the regional body that their government has cancelled the NOC issued to them for the tournament after the incident in Pahalgam,” Pakistan Volleyball Federation official Abdul Ahad had told PTI.

India, Iran, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Pakistan are scheduled to compete in the event from May 29 to June 4.

MATCH SCHEDULE RELEASED FOR FIVB VOLLEYBALL WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2025 IN THAILAND

The official match schedule for the highly anticipated FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025 has been released, setting the stage for an electrifying competition in Thailand from August 22 to September 7. With 32 teams vying for the prestigious world champion title, the tournament will feature 64 thrilling matches over 14 competition days, hosted across four iconic cities: Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima.

The tournament will commence on August 22 with an exciting pair of opening matches at 16:00 local time (09:00 UTC). Czechia meets Argentina in Pool D while Puerto Rico faces France in Pool C. An hour later, action in Pools A and B will begin with the Netherlands meeting Sweden and Belgium competing against Cuba.

Reigning Volleyball Nations League 2024 champions and Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalists Italy will open their Pool B campaign against Slovakia in Phuket at 20:30 (13:30 UTC)

Host nation Thailand will wrap up a historic opening day, meeting Pool A opponent Egypt in front of a passionate home crowd also at 20:30 local time, but in Bangkok. Thailand, known for their fast-paced and energetic style of play, will be looking to capitalize on home-court advantage and deliver strong performances in front of their fans.
Defending world champions Serbia, aiming for a third consecutive title, will instead begin their campaign in Pool H against Ukraine on August 23 at 20:30 (13:30 UTC).
Competition in the first phase will see each pool play on alternate days, with Pools A, B, C, and D competing on August 22, 24, and 26, while Pools E, F, G, and H take the court on August 23, 25, and 27.





Following the conclusion of the pool stage, the top two teams from each of the eight pools will advance to the knockout phase, starting with the Round of 16 from August 29 to September 1. The Quarter-Finals will be held on September 3 and 4, followed by the Semi-Finals on September 6. The tournament will culminate on September 7 with the bronze medal match at 15:30 (08:30 UTC), leading into the final gold medal match at 19:30 (12:30 UTC) in Bangkok, where the next world champions will be crowned.

As the host nation, Thailand is set to provide a vibrant and unforgettable experience for players and fans alike. With top-tier volleyball action and an electric atmosphere, the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025 – the first-ever to be held in Southeast Asia – promises to be a landmark edition of the sport’s premier event. 

2024 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship: Draws Unveiled for 2024 Asian Club Volleyball Championship in Yazd

 The draws for the 2024 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship have been announced, with the tournament set to take place in Yazd, Iran from September 8 to 15. This annual event, formerly known as the AVC Cup Men’s Club Tournament, began in 1999 and is organized by the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC). The championship, which was not held in 2003 or 2020 due to global health crises, will feature the following pools:

• Pool A: Shahdab Yazd (IRI A), Kuwait Sporting Club (KUW)
• Pool B: Wolfdogs Nagoya (JPN), Gas Al Janoob (IRQ), Baoding Wo Li Volleyball Club (CHN)
• Pool C: Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi (INA), Pavlodar Volleyball Club (KAZ), Taichung Win (TPE)
• Pool D: Al Rayyan Sports Club (QAT), Kam Air (AFG), Foolad Sirjan Iranian (IRI B)

Nepal : Squad, coaches announced for inaugural Everest Women’s Volleyball League

 

Everest Women’s Volleyball League on Friday announced the players and coaches of all participating six teams for the inaugural season of its tournament.

Gandaki, Kathmandu, Madhesh, Lalitpur, Karnali and Chitwan will compete in the tournament.

The marquee players of the team were unveiled last week. National team captain Aruna Shahi will represent Chitwan. Other marquee players Saraswati Chaudhary, Salina Shrestha, Niruta Thagunna, Usha Bhandari and Sumitra Regmi will be competing for Gandaki, Lalitpur, Madhesh, Kathmandu and Karnali, respectively.

The players have been classified into three tiers, with each team featuring one “A” grade player, four “B” grade players, and three “C” grade players. The teams are permitted to sign a minimum of three foreign players each, while one player will be selected through a talent hunt.

Jagadish Bhatta, the coach of the national women’s volleyball team who recently guided Nepal to a historic victory over India at the CAVA Women’s Volleyball Nations League, will be at the helm of Team Kathmandu.

On Thursday, The Everest Women’s Volleyball League announced six franchises participating in the inaugural edition of the league.

According to the organiser of the league, each team will have 12 players among them nine will be Nepali and three will be foreigners. All of the teams will have a marquee player.

The participating franchises of the league are Team Kathmandu, Team Lalitpur, Team Madhesh, Team Gandaki, Team Chitwan and Team Karnali. While other franchises haven’t finalised the team, the Madhesh franchise has named its team Madhesh United.

“The league aspires to raise the standards of volleyball in Nepal, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents alongside foreign players in each franchise,” said Aamir Akhtar, Managing Director of Infinity Dreams, organiser of the league. “This Initiative will open new opportunities and bring diverse experiences to the players and fans alike.”

According to the organisers, the schedule of the league will be made public soon.

CAMBODIA RIDES ON HOME SUPPORT WITH STRAIGHT-SET WIN AGAINST LAOS TO STAY ON COURSE AT SEA V. LEAGUE CHALLENGE

 Phanom Penh, Cambodia, August 31, 2024 – Hosts Cambodia powered past Laos in sensational straight sets 25-16, 25-18, 25-23 at the inaugural SEA V. League Challenge at National Olympic Stadium here on Saturday.

Fresh from a comeback 3-1 win against Malaysia in their curtain-raisers of the single round-robin competition on Friday, Cambodia, silver medallists at the last year’s Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on home soil, made it two in succession.

Against the Laotians, Cambodia mixed the powerful attacks from outside hitter Chan Veasna and opposite Thy Menghuong with solid blocks by Kheng Thona and well-placed serves by Mouen Menglaiy to outperform the unfancied opponents in the first two sets 25-16, 25-18. 

However, the visitors put their acts together, counter-attacking and intensifying their defence in the third set, making the most of fast attacks from middle blocker Lattannakong Bounlai. Still, backed by cheering home fans of around 4,000 at the venue, the host side clawed their way back to with the hard-fought set 25-23 and match.

      

Thy Menghuong was the most productive player of Cambodia as he chipped in 10 points from 9 kills and one block, while Chan Veasna and Mouen Menglaiy kept good company to add 9 and 7 points respectively. Chanthanvong Channima and Lattannakong Bounlai scored 8 points apiece for Laos.

Cambodia dominated in all elements, including kills (33 to 30), blocking (4 to 1), and aces (8 to 1), and it benefitted from more opponent errors (30 to 25).

Earlier, Malaysia handed Singapore the first loss in the three-day tournament following a 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-18) victory against the determined rivals.

Opposite Jian Qian Sim delivered 13 points from 10 kills, one block and 2 aces for Malaysia, while outside hitters Ranfit Ramu and Chia You Jing added 8 and 7 points respectively. Outside hitter Wong Jordan Ryan led Singapore with 12 points from 9 kills, one block and 2 aces, with fellow outside hitter Lim Jayden Xuan Wei and middle blocker Wan Yue Jun adding 7 points apiece.

Malaysia’s higher offensive efficiency (33 to 31) and more opponent errors (32 to 19) proved instrumental for their victory as the points scored in blocks and aces were the same with 3 to 3 and 7 to 7 respectively.

After two days, hosts Cambodia surged ahead the pacesetters Singapore to the top of the four-team standing with 6 points from two straight wins. Malaysia had 3 points from one win against on loss, with Singapore in third place with 3 points from one win against one loss. Laos have yet to win a single set to succumb to two straight losses to come in fourth places with no point awarded.

On Sunday, the last day of the SEA V. League Challenge, Cambodia will take on Singapore and Malaysia will face off against Laos. After three days, the team with the best performance and highest-scoring points will be crowned champions and qualify for SEA V.League 2025.