Azerrail teams sweep top honours at Azerbaijan National Championships

The national Beach Volleyball championship organised by the Azerbaijan Volleyball Federation (AVF) has drawn to a close, and what an incredible journey it has been! Earlier this week, at the iconic Baku Aquatics Palace, the final matches showcased the talent and determination of all the participating clubs. The Azerrail-1 teams shone brightly, claiming victory in both the women’s and men’s competitions. 

In a thrilling women’s final, the Azerrail-1 team (Larisa Smeltsova/Chinara Guliyeva) faced their own Azerrail-2 rivals, Vera Klimovich and Ilhama Azimova, thus creating a special atmosphere of camaraderie and friendly rivalry. Meanwhile, in the men’s decisive match, Azerrail-1 went head-to-head against Khilasedichi-2. The tension in the air was palpable, yet the spirit of sportsmanship prevailed, and ultimately, Azerrail-1 (Konstantin Semenov and Heydar Mammadli) were crowned champions, thus receiving gold medals for their hard work and dedication. 

After the matches, an awarding and closing ceremony took place to celebrate all the participants. The winners and runners-up were presented with diplomas, medals, and thoughtful gifts from the VMF watch factory, a valued partner of the Azerbaijan Volleyball Federation. AVF President Shahin Baghirov, Secretary General Faig Orujov, Board Member Elgar Bagirov, Honoured Master of Sports and European Championship winner in rhythmic gymnastics Aliya Pashayeva, and the Director of the VMF Watch Factory Orkhan Mammadov were there to present the awards. Their presence underlined the importance of recognising the athletes’ efforts and achievements. 

The winning teams have now earned their opportunity to represent Azerbaijan in the CEV Beach Volley European Cup 2025. Last year, both the men’s and women’s teams of Azerrail made the Caucasus country proud by emerging victorious at the event held in Montpellier, France. 

This year’s championship featured 12 women’s and 11 men’s teams participating, with action starting on July 21. The tournament was conducted following the regulations of the European Volleyball Confederation, thereby ensuring fair play and integrity throughout. Each club was required to enter at least two teams with athletes over the age of 18, and the stakes were high, as a team that lost twice was eliminated from the competition. Drawing the line after the competition reached its climax, it is clear that every player, coach, and supporter contributed to making it a memorable event.

Medallists 

Women 

1.    Azerrail-1 (Larisa Smeltsova/Chinara Guliyeva) 
2.    Azerrail-2 (Vera Klimovich/Ilhama Azimova) 
3.    Milli Aviasiya Akademiyasi-1 (Nazrin Karimli/Amina Ramazanova/Albina Chinayeva) 

Men 

1.    Azerrail-1 (Konstantin Semenov/Heydar Mammadli) 
2.    Khilasedichi-2 (Andrey Melnikov/Hasan Hüseyin Mermer/Asif Aliyev) 
3.    Azerrail-2 (Ibrahim Mammadov/Muhammad Aslanli)  

Participating teams

Women 

Azerrail-1, Azerrail-2, Azerrail-3, Khari Byul-Byul-1, Khari Byul-Byul-2, Ganja-1, Ganja-2, Milli Aviasiya Akademiyasi-1, Milli Aviasiya Akademiyasi-2, Milli-1, Milli-2, Milli-3

Men 

Azerrail-1, Azerrail-2, Azerrail-3, Murov Az Terminal-1, Murov Az Terminal-2, Murov Az Terminal-3, Murov Az Terminal-4, Khari Byul-Byul-1, Khari Byul-Byul-2, Khilasedichi-1, Khilasedichi-2.