Confetti showers down on the Bodyguard Headquarters side as they celebrate a back-to-back Techo Volleyball League title. Chhorn Norn
The Visakha volleyball club, composed mainly of members of the Cambodian national team, suffered their second consecutive finals loss to the Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ) side, in last night’s final of the Techo Volleyball Cambodia League (TVCL).
The Ministry of Interior placed third in this year’s competition.
Despite the loss, Visakha captain Kuon Mom was pleased to have made the final, citing the youth and inexperience of some of his squad.
“We didn’t even expect to make it to the final, and we didn’t have high hopes of winning the championship either because some of our players are still young. They felt nervous playing in such a big match with a large live audience,” he explained.
The Techo League final between Bodyguard Headquarters and Visakha was played at the National Olympic Stadium on Sunday, February 23. Supplied
Mom praised the playing style of the BHQ side and highlighted their strong performances, especially the contributions of their four Indonesian players.
He noted the attacking power of Nugraha Luvi Febrian, supported by the excellent setting skills of his fellow Indonesian teammate Aditya Viko Zulfan.
He also credited their Indonesian coach, Indro Wahyudi Harahap, for his expertise in leading the BHQ to their second Techo League championship.
“The Bodyguard Headquarters team is still strong. We already knew that Indonesia is a powerhouse of ASEAN volleyball. Their technique is excellent, and their playing speed is incredibly fast. What’s more, these Indonesian players aren’t even part of their national team! If they were, their level would be much higher. So, for our team to compete with them as much as we did, I think that’s already a great achievement,” he added.
The final, held at the packed National Olympic Stadium, saw BHQ triumph 3-0 with set scores of 25-20, 25-20, and 25-18, claiming the championship title along with a prize of 60 million riel ($15,000).
Visakha, as runners-up, received 12 million ($3,000). The interior ministry secured third place with a 3-1 victory over Svay Rieng Police, earning 10 million ($2,500).
In addition to the team rankings, individual awards were also presented. Indonesian star Nugraha Luvi Febrian won two individual titles, being named Player of the Tournament and Best Right-Side Attacker.
His teammate Aditya Viko Zulfan received the Best Setter award.
Other awards went to the interior ministry’s Thy Menghuong (Best Left-Side Attacker) and Visakha’s Seng Kimhab (Best Defender).
Sherigar Praful (Svay Rieng) and Chheang Chivveng (BHQ) were awarded as Best Blockers.
Nugraha Luvi Febrian reflected on the season.
“This season’s league was very competitive. I can confidently say that all six teams that made it to the second round had the potential to win the championship. The only difference was that some teams had a few minor weaknesses, which allowed our team to claim the title,” he said.
