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Otago Daily Times
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Balancing medical school, sporting career ‘challenging'
Second-year medical student Emma Mason sits outside the Otago Medical School, in Dunedin. PHOTO: GERARD O'BRIEN If you have ever wondered what happens when two very time-consuming passions collide and vie for every spare minute of your life, Emma Mason has the answer. Reporter John Lewis talks to one of New Zealand's top volleyballers, who is juggling the high performance sport with study for a medical degree at the University of Otago. Time is precious — especially for Emma Mason. The 19-year-old represents New Zealand in volleyball while studying medicine at the University of Otago. So if she has any spare time, it is undoubtedly spent sleeping. "Balancing medical school with volleyball can be challenging — especially when tests or assignments are coming up," she said. Last year, she represented New Zealand twice in age-group competitions — once in under-19 beach volleyball, and once in under-20 indoor volleyball. This year, she leapt at an "incredible opportunity" to compete at the open women's level in Vietnam, with the Volley Ferns. "Stepping on to the court wearing the New Zealand jersey is an indescribable feeling, and truly one of the greatest privileges. "It's surreal to think back to year 10, when my school coach asked if I wanted to represent New Zealand. "I said, 'Of course, but that seems unrealistic'. "At the time, I doubted it, but that conversation lit a spark in me — it made me believe that maybe it really was possible." Training during the university year involves going to the gym four to six mornings a week, and training with her Dunedin volleyball club team two to three evenings a week. Her Volley Ferns commitments mean she has to attend weekend training camps in Auckland, every two months. And since it is club season at the moment, she has three weekend tournaments coming up in Christchurch over the next few months. "My med school classes usually run from 9am-6pm, and I schedule training sessions around that. "Sleep is a big priority for me. I aim for at least eight hours a night because I know everything starts to fall apart without it. "Things get more complicated when there are trips or tournaments, as medical school requires satisfactory attendance, and there's only a limited number of labs and tutorials you can miss and still pass. "For my recent trip to Vietnam, I was fortunate to be granted time off, but now that my attendance is near the limit, I haven't been able to commit to any further trips for the rest of the year." New Zealand Volley Ferns player Mason prepares to serve on court at the recent Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women's Volleyball Nations Cup tournament, in Vietnam. PHOTO: AVC Miss Mason said she had always been fascinated by the complexity of the human body, and she was drawn to medicine because of the "endless opportunities" it offered. "It's a constantly evolving field where you never stop learning and developing." It was the same for volleyball. "What I love most is that there's always something new to learn and improve on, and doing it alongside such a supportive, like-minded team makes it even more rewarding. "Before I started playing, I never imagined that you could look forward to a sports training, but volleyball changed that for me. "What keeps me motivated is the drive to improve every day — whether that's in my sport, academically or personally. "I feel incredibly fortunate for the opportunities and support I've received over the years, so I want to make the most of them and make the people who've helped me proud. "And on a lighter note, my flatmate counts on me for a ride to the gym in the mornings, which definitely helps me get out of bed on those extra cold days."
Daily Tribune
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
AVC chief visits executive committee of Asian Youth Games
Asian Volleyball Confederation President (AVC), Mr. Ramon Suzara, paid an official visit to the Executive Committee of the 3rd Asian Youth Games - Bahrain 2025, currently preparing for the major continental event set to take place in the Kingdom of Bahrain from October 22 to 31. Suzara, who also serves as head of the Philippine delegation to the Games, was welcomed at the official Headquarter of the organising committee by Yousif Duaij, Chairman of the Executive Committee, in the presence of Vice-Chairman Ahmed Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar, Chairman of the Technical Committee Lounes Madene, and Mohammed Al Thawadi, Vice President of the Bahrain Volleyball Federation and Director of Volleyball Competitions for the session.
Express Tribune
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Bahrain beat Pakistan to win inaugural AVC Volleyball Nations Cup
Listen to article Bahrain won the inaugural AVC Volleyball Nations Cup by defeating Pakistan 3-1 in a hard-fought final held under the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) in Bahrain. The victory earned Bahrain the gold medal, while Pakistan settled for silver. The host nation, ranked 54th globally, overcame Pakistan, ranked 43rd, in the final. Pakistan started strongly, winning the first set 25-23, but Bahrain quickly regrouped and dominated the next three sets 25-16, 25-17, and 25-18 to seal the match. Earlier, Pakistan had defeated 23rd-ranked Qatar 3-0 in the semifinals, while Bahrain secured their final spot by edging out 25th-ranked South Korea 3-2 in a thrilling contest. According to AVC regulations, Bahrain, as champions, have qualified for the Asian Volleyball Championship 2026. Security concerns arose when missile attacks on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar prompted considerations to postpone the final. However, reassurances from the host government and the volleyball federation ensured the match proceeded as scheduled. Nonetheless, Bahrain's closure of its airspace has delayed the return of participating teams to their countries. Meanwhile, Qatar secured third place by defeating South Korea 3-0. Australia finished fifth, followed by Indonesia in sixth, Chinese Taipei seventh, Vietnam eighth, Thailand ninth, and New Zealand tenth. Previously held as the AVC Challenge Cup, last year's final saw Qatar claim the title after defeating Pakistan.
Express Tribune
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pakistan stun Qatar to reach AVC Volleyball final
A view of the Pakistan-Qatar volleyball semifinal at the AVC Nations Cup in Bahrain on Monday. PHOTO: PVF Pakistan advanced to the final of the AVC Nations Cup Volleyball Tournament after securing a stunning straight-sets victory over Qatar in the semifinal. According to reports from Bahrain, where the inaugural edition of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Nations Cup is currently underway, Pakistan - ranked 43rd in the world - outclassed world number 23 Qatar by 3-0, securing at least a silver medal in the tournament. The national team displayed remarkable composure and skill, winning the first two sets with identical scores of 25-22, and sealing the match with a 25-21 win in the third set. The Nations Cup final will be played tomorrow, with Pakistan either facing Korea or the hosts, Bahrain. Earlier in the quarterfinals, Pakistan defeated Indonesia 3-1. Indonesia is ranked 62nd in the world. During the group stage, Pakistan emerged as Group C champions by defeating both the Philippines and Chinese Taipei. It is worth noting that due to its impressive performances on the international circuit, Pakistan has climbed significantly in the global volleyball rankings, rising from 89th to 45th position. For the unversed, the tournament is being played in Manama from June 17 to 24 and features 12 teams. These include Pakistan, Bahrain, Indonesia, Thailand, Qatar, Australia, Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei, the Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam, and New Zealand. For context, the tournament serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Asian Volleyball Championship, with top-performing teams earning world ranking points and potential entry into the 2028 Olympic Games and the 2027 FIVB World Championships. PVF Chairman Ch. Muhammad Yaqoob shared his remarks on the historic victory: "This win is more than just a semi-final resultit's a statement. The players have shown tremendous heart and discipline. Climbing to World No. 39 is a reflection of the hard work being done at all levels of Pakistan volleyball. We now set our eyes on the final with pride and confidence.
Daily Tribune
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Al Khabbaz Called Up, Omar Sidelined
TDT | Manama Late change to Bahrain's squad ahead of Asian Championship on home soil. Final Adjustment Before Kick-Off Bahrain have made a late adjustment to their squad for the 2025 AVC Men's Volleyball Nations Cup, with Abbas Al Khabbaz called up to replace the injured Mohamed Omar. The change was confirmed over the weekend as Al Khabbaz joined full training at Isa bin Rashid Volleyball Hall, stepping into preparations just days before the opening serve. Omar, who had been recovering from a recent knock, was ultimately deemed unfit to compete. The Bigger Picture Set to begin tomorrow, this year's Nations Cup brings together 11 of Asia's top men's national teams in Riffa for six days of action. The tournament, hosted by Bahrain for a second consecutive year, is being organised by the Bahrain Volleyball Association in collaboration with the Asian Volleyball Confederation and Volleyball World, under the patronage of Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Alongside chasing silverware, teams at the AVC Men's Nations Cup are also vying for a place at the 2026 Asian Men's Volleyball Championship, with qualification reserved exclusively for the eventual winners. That tournament carries even greater weight: the Asian champions in 2026 will secure direct qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, while the top three will also punch their ticket to the 2027 FIVB Men's World Championship. Tough Pool, Clear Ambitions Bahrain have been drawn into Pool A alongside Thailand and Indonesia, who are both higher-ranked opponents. Currently 65th in the latest FIVB World Rankings, Bahrain will be looking to defy expectations and progress to the quarter-finals. Bahrain will first take on Thailand tomorrow at 7pm before facing Indonesia on Wednesday at the same time. The team returned recently from a productive training camp in Cairo, where they faced Egypt in two warm-up fixtures. Despite a few injuries, the camp was seen as vital for sharpening tactical cohesion. Training has since intensified back home, with head coach Arnaud Josserand leading sessions focused on match scenarios and tactical fluency. Quiet Confidence Building With Kazakhstan's withdrawal reducing Pool B to just Qatar and Australia, the overall format has been slightly adjusted. Matches will now begin Tuesday afternoon, with evening fixtures staged from 7pm at the Isa Bin Rashid Arena in Isa Sports City. For Bahrain, the addition of Al Khabbaz offers timely reinforcement and positional depth, maintaining the team's readiness. The squad's response to training has been focused, and internal morale appears strong. There is quiet confidence within the camp. Hosting the tournament brings added pressure, but also a unique chance to make an impression in front of a home crowd. And with free entry for all fans, Bahrain's players can count on passionate backing throughout the week.
