Azerbaijan Volleyball Championships wrap up in Baku with Khilasedichi and Turan crowned national champions

The Azerbaijan Volleyball Championships have officially concluded, with the final matches held at the Volleyball Centre run by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

On April 18, the medallists of the men’s competition were decided. In the bronze medal match, Neftсhi defeated Murov Az Terminal 3-0 to secure third place. 
In the final, Khilasedichi overcame ORDU 3-1 to be crowned the men’s national champions for the 2025/2026 season.

On April 19, the women’s competition concluded at the same venue. Ganja claimed the bronze medals after a 3-0 victory over the National Aviation Academy, while Turan defeated DH Volley 3-1 in the final to clinch the championship title.

Following the matches, an official awards ceremony was held to recognise the season’s top performers. In the men’s division, Luis Enrique Reyes Rodriguez (Khilasedichi) was named Most Valuable Player (MVP), while Farhat Cenkel (Murov Az Terminal) received the Best Young and Promising Player award. The ‘Dream Team’ included Roman Gurskii, Aleksandr Popleteev, Willian Rabel, Kenan Allahverdiyev, Gustavo Almora Nunez, Aleksandr Karabali, and Jose Romero.

In the women’s division, Marta Drpa (Turan) was named MVP, and Khadija Seyidli (Absheron) was honoured as the Best Young and Promising Player. The women’s ‘Dream Team’ featured Natalia Gajewska, Danijela Dzakovic, Alla Alekumova, Joseline Landeros, Ayshan Abdulazimova, Melissa Randel, and Katerina Zhidkova.

During the ceremony, Chingiz Huseynzade, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee, highlighted the high level of competition and commended the Azerbaijan Volleyball Federation (AVF) for its organisational efforts. AVF President Shahin Baghirov congratulated all teams, particularly the champions, and emphasised the vital role of state support in the sport’s development. He also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, relevant state institutions, sponsors, media representatives, and fans.

The trophies and medals were presented by a distinguished group of officials. The championship cups were awarded by Chingiz Huseynzade, Farid Gayibov (Minister of Youth and Sports), and Shahin Baghirov. Medals were presented by Natig Hasanov (Deputy Minister of Finance), Zakir Hasanov (Minister of Defence), Kamaladdin Heydarov (Minister of Emergency Situations), Faig Garayev (Vice President of the AVF), Yildirim Demirören (President of Demirören Investment Holding), and Hasan Zeynalov (President of Turan Volleyball Club).

Additionally, Bahruz Guliyev, AVF Vice President, and Faig Orujov, AVF Secretary General, presented the MVP and Best Player awards to the standout performers. Finally, a certificate of appreciation was presented to the Volleyball Centre by Jalil Jafarov, member of the CEV Board of Administration and Advisor to the AVF President, for their support in organising the final matches.