Thailand test first for Bahrain's bid
The sixth AVC Men's Volleyball Nations Cup serves up its first primetime match tonight, as hosts Bahrain take on Thailand at Isa Bin Rashid Arena. First serve is scheduled for 7pm, marking the start of a three-day group stage that will shape the knockout rounds of the competition.
Bahrain, buoyed by their Arab Championship success last year, return to the court with renewed confidence. They face a tough challenge from a Thai side that has previously claimed the Nations Cup title and continues to be a force in Asian volleyball.
The Squad
Led by French head coach Arnaud Josserand, Bahrain have spent the last few weeks improving their form—first in Cairo during a focused training camp, and more recently with twice-daily sessions at home. The 14-player squad includes: Mohammed Yaqoob, Naser Anan, Ali Ebrahim, Mahmood Alafyah, and Ayman Harwana, while the rest of the team includes Abbas Al Khabbaz, Hussain Mansoor, Sayed Hashem Isa, Mahmoud Abdulwahed, Mohammed Jassim, Mohammed Anan, Hasan Al Warqaa, Hani Ali, and Abbas Sultan.
Tournament Format
Tonight's fixture is the first of two group games for Bahrain, who face Indonesia at the same time tomorrow. The group stage is being played in a round-robin format, with only the top two teams from each of the four pools advancing to the quarter-finals.
Matches are spread across three days, with pool play concluding on Thursday. Bahrain's pool rivals, Thailand and Indonesia, are ranked 63rd and 54th in the world respectively, compared to Bahrain's 65th, making this one of the most evenly matched groups in the tournament.
The eventual winners will qualify for the 2026 Asian Men's Volleyball Championship, which serves as the pathway to both the 2027 FIVB World Championship and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Home Advantage to Harness
Bahrain's players will be counting on a strong home crowd to lift them throughout the week. Entry to all matches is free of charge, with organisers aiming to create a lively and supportive atmosphere that reflects the country's growing passion for volleyball.
With their sights set on a deep run and a shot at continental success, Bahrain's journey begins tonight, with Thailand standing directly in their path.
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