The Azerbaijan Volleyball Federation (AVF) recently concluded its National Beach Volleyball Championship, a highly anticipated event that captivated audiences throughout the week. Held at the state-of-the-art Baku Aquatics Palace, the final matches truly highlighted the exceptional skill and dedication of all participating teams. Notably, the Azerrail-1 squads achieved remarkable success, securing top honors in both the women`s and men`s categories.
In a thrilling women`s final, the Azerrail-1 duo of Larisa Smeltsova and Chinara Guliyeva competed against their club-mates, Vera Klimovich and Ilhama Azimova from Azerrail-2, fostering an atmosphere of friendly yet intense competition. The men`s championship match saw Azerrail-1 take on Khilasedichi-2. Despite the evident tension, the spirit of fair play prevailed, and ultimately, Konstantin Semenov and Heydar Mammadli of Azerrail-1 emerged victorious, earning gold medals for their outstanding performance and commitment.
Following the exciting matches, an awards and closing ceremony celebrated all participants. Winners and runners-up received diplomas, medals, and special gifts from the VMF watch factory, a proud partner of the Azerbaijan Volleyball Federation. Dignitaries including 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 VMF Watch Factory Director Orkhan Mammadov were present to bestow the accolades, emphasizing the significance of these athletic achievements.
These victorious Azerrail teams have now secured their spot to represent Azerbaijan in the prestigious CEV Beach Volley European Cup 2025. This follows their successful campaign last year, where both the men`s and women`s Azerrail teams triumphed at the event held in Montpellier, France, bringing pride to the Caucasus nation.
The 2025 championship commenced on July 21, featuring a robust lineup of 12 women`s and 11 men`s teams. The tournament adhered strictly to the regulations set forth by the European Volleyball Confederation, ensuring fair play and high integrity throughout the competition. Each participating club was required to field at least two teams, composed of athletes aged 18 or older. The stakes were high, with a double-elimination format ensuring only the best advanced. Reflecting on the culmination of the event, it is clear that the collective efforts of every player, coach, and supporter contributed to making this a truly memorable championship.
Medallists
Women
- 1st: Azerrail-1 (Larisa Smeltsova/Chinara Guliyeva)
- 2nd: Azerrail-2 (Vera Klimovich/Ilhama Azimova)
- 3rd: Milli Aviasiya Akademiyasi-1 (Nazrin Karimli/Amina Ramazanova/Albina Chinayeva)
Men
- 1st: Azerrail-1 (Konstantin Semenov/Heydar Mammadli)
- 2nd: Khilasedichi-2 (Andrey Melnikov/Hasan Hüseyin Mermer/Asif Aliyev)
- 3rd: 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
