Bhutan lost the semi-finals to India at the CAVA Beach Volleyball Championship. The three-day tournament concluded at Changlimithang today, with teams from seven countries competing in the men’s and women’s categories.
India’s Team One, Barath and Rajesh, defeated Bhutan’s Team One, Jurme Rangdal and Tshering Dorji, in straight sets. Bhutan’s Team One later faced India’s Team Two in the bronze medal match. Despite putting up a fight, Bhutan lost in straight sets, allowing India’s Team Two to claim the bronze medal.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka defeated India in the men’s final. Sri Lanka defeated India’s Team One in straight sets to win the championship. India team 2 took the third prize. The Sri Lankan pair maintained their composure throughout the match and secured the title after a strong performance.
“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,” said Sadun, Player, Sri Lanka.
“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,” said Onur, Coach, Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, the women’s final saw India’s Team One take on Nepal’s Team One. India secured a 2–1 victory to claim the women’s championship. In the bronze medal match, India’s Team Two defeated Nepal’s Team Two by 2–1. In the semifinals, India’s Team One defeated Nepal’s Team Two, and Nepal’s Team One defeated India’s Team Two.
“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,” said Deepika, Player, India.
“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,” said Asha Mohandas, Coach, India.
The tournament brought together 21 teams from Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal and Uzbekistan.
The tournament provided Bhutanese players with an opportunity to compete against regional teams and gain valuable international experience. It also helped promote beach volleyball and strengthen competition among teams in the region.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
