Gobsmacked by their first appearance victory, the APU Men’s Volleyball Team won the Nottingham Volleyball Open 2025, crediting their win to teamwork and commitment, while Chang Kai Yang also received the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

The APU Men’s Volleyball Team stormed to victory at the prestigious Nottingham Volleyball Open 2025, held on the 23rd of March at the UNM Sports Complex Hall, University of Nottingham, Semenyih, Selangor.

To add to their triumph, Chang Kai Yang was crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP), and the team pocketed a cool RM500 in prize money.

The team consists of Someshwar Saravanan, Huang Jia Dong, Chai Yui Ren, Ryan Tan Teng Wei, Lim Tai Jing, Jeconiah Khonry Tang, Joshua Lim Joon Yew, Lim Xuan, Chang Kai Yang and Yeo Wen Le.

Someshwar Saravanan, Team Manager and Vice President of the APU Volleyball Club, admitted that the team was ‘gobsmacked’ by their victory, as it was their first time participating in the competition.

“It is a cracking start,” he said, emphasising the importance of teamwork and commitment, “We stuck together, fought hard, and never gave up, even when we were down.”

Assistant Manager, Sports Development & Student Affairs, Mr Ahmad Mohammad, highlighted the team’s hunger for competitive experience. 

“They are a talented bunch, but needed to test themselves against tougher opposition,” he explained. 

“This tournament was the perfect opportunity to hone their skills, build confidence, and raise the APU flag high. We are aiming to become a force to be reckoned with in the university volleyball scene.”