By Ren Azrack L. Escosio
Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu VC bagged their first-ever Asian crown after defeating Vietnam’s VTV Binh Dien Long An, 25-14, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18, at the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League.
Zhetysu only dropped a single set in the entire tournament held at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig, the Philippines, from April 20-27.
“We didn’t expect to lose just one set, but we already knew that the Vietnamese team was very good, and in the tip of my heart, we were better, and I thought it was going to go five sets,” Zhetysu head coach Marko Grsic said, as reported by Rappler.
The Kazakh team topped Pool A during the group stages, defeating Philippine club team Creamline Cool Smashers and Jordan’s Al Naser Club.
Zhetysu had to defeat another Philippine club team, the PLDT High-Speed Hitters, to reach the semi-finals. They defeated Thai club Nakhon Ratchasima QminC in the semi-finals before meeting with Vietnam’s VTV Binh Dien Long An.
Zhetysu took home a $20,000 cash prize after the tournament, while VTV secured $15,000.
Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima Qmin C VC took home the bronze medal after defeating China’s BAIC Motor Volleyball Club. Nakhon received $10,000 for their third-place finish while BAIC took home $5,000.
Best players
VTV’s Vi Thi Nhu Quynh and Zhetysu’s Karyna Denysova were recognised as the Best Outside Hitters of the tournament.
Denysova also bagged the Tournament Most Valuable Player after scoring 23 points during the gold medal match.
Zhetysu’s Valeriya Yakutina and Nakhon Ratchasima’s Tichakorn Boonlert were named the Best Middle Blockers, while VTV’s Tran Thi Thanh Thuy was awarded as the Best Opposite Spiker.
The gameplay of Zhetysu’s Daria Sharhorodska was also recognised after she brought home the Best Setter award, while VTV’s Nguyen Khanh Dang bagged the Best Libero award.
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Zhetysu, VTV prepare for World Championship
Zhetysu VC and VTV Binh Dien Long An are now preparing for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship after securing slots in the tournament.
They were able to qualify for the World Championship after reaching the gold medal match of the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League, which takes place in Thailand from August 22 to September 7, 2025.
The world’s best club teams will compete in what is expected to be a very exciting 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Club World Championship.
According to the FIVB official website, a total of 64 matches will be played in Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, and Chiang Mai later this year.
2024 champions Imoco Volley Conegliano of Italy will have the chance to defend their crown in Thailand.
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