U18 championships cap Azerbaijan’s age-group domestic competitions

The Azerbaijan Volleyball Championships for age groups have finished with the conclusion of the competition open to young players under 18 years of age. As many as 30 teams – 15 per gender – representing Ganja, Nakhchivan, Oghuz, Tovuz, and Sumgayit were involved in the U18 competition run under the auspices of the CEV School Project ‘Play Volleyball – Grow with it’. 

In accordance with the regulations, the championship began with a group stage in the regions of Ganja and Sumgayit and continued with playoff rounds contested at the Darnagul Volleyball Centre in Baku from April 3-5, 2026. 

Milli Aviasiya Academy were crowned U18 national champions among girls, with Lokomotiv from Sumgayit and Momina Khatun from Nakhchivan securing the second and third place, respectively. Team Shargi Zangazur from Sumgayit emerged victorious among boys where Ordu from Baku and Murov AzTerminal from Azerbaijan’s capital as well completed the podium. 

The Azerbaijan Volleyball Federation (AVF) emphasises that the primary objective of organising these championships is to encourage children to engage in Volleyball, support their development in a proper sporting environment, and create opportunities for them to grow into professional athletes. Following intense and exciting matches, the victorious teams were awarded trophies and medals. The age-group championships play an important role in the development of Volleyball in the Caucasus country, increasing interest in the sport across the regions, and helping identify young, promising talents.