Latest news with #GoldenSquare
Iraqi News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Iraqi News
Kings of the Court: Masafi Al-Shamal crowned Iraqi volleyball champions
Baghdad ( – After weeks of intense competition culminating in the 'Golden Square' playoffs held in Kufa and Baghdad, Masafi Al-Shamal have been crowned champions of the 2024-2025 Iraqi Volleyball Premier League! Their journey to the title was reportedly sealed with a crucial victory over Al-Shorta before the final day's play in the second gathering, showcasing their season-long dominance. Reflecting on their triumph, Masafi Al-Shamal's #15, Omar Ali, told IraqiNews, 'I feel very proud to be part of this amazing team. I am very grateful for the coach, the management, and all of my fellow players; everyone has done an extreme effort and this achievement is the result of months of hard work and dedication.' While Masafi Al-Shamal had secured the championship, the concluding playoff matches still delivered significant drama for the final placings. Last year's champions, Ghaz Al-Junoob, fought hard to claim the runner-up spot for the season, impressively defeating the new champions Masafi Al-Shamal in their final encounter. In other crucial final ranking matches, Al-Shorta secured third position despite a concluding loss to a spirited Erbil side, who finished fourth. Throughout the playoffs, individual brilliance shone. In a fiercely contested earlier 'Golden Square' match between Al-Shorta and Masafi Al-Shamal (reportedly a 3-1 win for Masafi that clinched the title early), Al-Shorta's #10, Mohammed Kareem Abdullah, was a standout. He played a 'very competitive match' and led his team to win a set with his exciting play, even though Masafi's overall defense was noted as stronger in that pivotal encounter. The 2024-2025 Iraqi Volleyball League has now concluded, marking Masafi Al-Shamal as the deserving champions after a season filled with high-level play and thrilling contests.
Iraqi News
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Iraqi News
Masafi Al-Shamal dominate first round of Iraqi volleyball 'Golden Square' playoffs
Najaf ( – Masafi Al-Shamal emerged undefeated to top the standings after the conclusion of the first gathering of the Iraqi Volleyball Premier League's 'Golden Square' championship playoff. The intense three-day round-robin tournament took place in Kufa, Najaf, from May 8th to 10th, 2025. Masafi Al-Shamal secured a perfect record with three victories, earning 8 points. Their campaign included a clean 3-0 sweep against Ghaz Al-Junoob (25-20, 26-24, 25-18), another 3-0 win over Erbil (25-17, 25-18, 25-18), and a crucial 'marathon' 3-2 victory against rivals Al-Shorta (25-21, 18-25, 19-25, 25-23, 15-9). Al-Shorta finished the first gathering in second place with 6 points from two wins and one loss. They defeated Erbil 3-0 and clinched a thrilling 3-2 win against Ghaz Al-Junoob (24-26, 25-23, 25-17, 20-25, 17-15) in their final match. Ghaz Al-Junoob secured third place with 4 points, their sole victory coming 3-0 against Erbil (25-22, 25-23, 25-18). Erbil ended the round in fourth with no points. The opening gathering was not without contention, as some fans alleged clear refereeing bias against Erbil during their 0-3 loss to Al-Shorta on the first day. The championship battle now moves to Baghdad for the second and final gathering, scheduled for May 15th, 16th, and 17th, where the 2024-2025 Iraqi volleyball league champion will be crowned.
Observer
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
General Hockey League kicks off today
MUSCAT: The General Hockey League kicks off today, Sunday, with the participation of five clubs: Seeb, Ahli Sidab, Al Amerat, Al Nasr and Salalah. The matches will be held from May 4 to May 20 at the Oman Hockey Stadium in Al Amerat and the Salalah Hockey Stadium. The tournament will open with a match between Seeb and Al Amerat, with daily matches continuing in a round-robin format. Each team will play four matches in the preliminary stage and the top four teams will qualify for the final stage (Golden Square). The preliminary round features a packed schedule: on Wednesday, Ahli Sidab will face Al Amerat, while Al Nasr will play against Salalah. On May 10, Seeb will take on Ahli Sidab. On May 11, Al Amerat will face Salalah and Seeb will play Al Nasr. The action continues on May 12 with Salalah vs Ahli Sidab and Al Nasr vs Al Amerat. The final round of this stage will be held on May 14 with two matches: Ahli Sidab vs Al Nasr and Salalah vs Seeb. The final stage will follow a triangular league format among the qualifying teams and will run from May 16 to 20, with several rounds played to determine the final standings. The league concludes on May 20 with two matches: one for third place and the other to determine the league champion. According to the regulations issued by the Oman Hockey Association, players will participate using electronic ID cards approved by the association. Each team will play four matches in the preliminary stage and the top four teams will qualify for the final stage The tournament director has been authorised to make administrative and organisational decisions in accordance with international law and the association's regulations. Clubs are required to submit a player roster with a maximum of 22 players and 4 staff members (technical, administrative, or medical) at least one week before their first match. They must also submit the primary and alternate team kits, including the goalkeeper's uniform, 72 hours before their first match. Player jerseys will be numbered from 1 to 99 and each player must keep the same number throughout the tournament. The association has allocated cash and in-kind prizes totalling RO 11,000 for the top three teams. The league champion will receive the league shield, 25 gold medals and a cash prize of RO 5,000. The second-place team will receive 25 silver medals and RO 3,500, while the third-place team will earn 25 bronze medals and RO 2,500. Individual awards of RO 100 each, along with commemorative gifts, will be presented to the best player, best goalkeeper and top scorer of the tournament. In terms of logistical support, the Oman Hockey Association will provide 22 flight tickets for Al Nasr and Salalah clubs, in addition to accommodation, airport transportation and meals for 22 individuals per club. The clubs will be responsible for arranging transportation to and from the designated match venues.
Arab Times
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait Club, Al-Arabi look to seal final berths in Volleyball League
KUWAIT CITY, May 3: The second round of the Premier Volleyball League's Golden Square will take place today at the Volleyball Association Hall in Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex. Al-Arabi is set to face Burgan at 5:00 pm, followed by a showdown between Kuwait Club and Kazma at 7:00 pm. In the opening round, Kuwait Club defeated Kazma 3-1 (25-18, 25-19, 23-25, 25-22), while Al-Arabi overpowered Burgan in straight sets 3-0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-19). The Golden Square is being played under a best-of-three playoff format. Teams must win two matches to advance to the championship final, which will also follow the same format. In the event of a 1-1 tie, a decisive third match will be held on May 6. Historically, Qadsia leads the title count with 23 championships, followed by Kazma with 15, Kuwait Club with 14, Al-Arabi with 4, and Al-Jahra with one title. In the First Division Volleyball League, the second round of the second division also kicks off today. Al-Nasr will take on Al-Tadamon at 5:30 pm in Al-Tadamon's hall, while Al-Yarmouk will clash with Al-Sahel at 6:30 pm in Abu Halifa.
Iraqi News
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Iraqi News
Iraqi Volleyball Championship playoff set: 'Golden Square' begins May 8th in Najaf/Kufa
Baghdad ( – The final stage of the 2024-2025 Iraqi Volleyball Premier League championship is set to begin next week. The Iraqi Volleyball Federation has announced the schedule for the first gathering of the decisive 'Golden Square' (Top 4) playoff, commencing on Thursday, May 8th, 2025. The four teams qualifying from the Elite League stage – Masafi Al-Shamal, Al-Shorta, Erbil, and Ghaz Al-Junoob – will compete for the national title. The first leg of the finals will take the form of a round-robin tournament held over three consecutive days (May 8-10) at the Kufa Club Hall in Najaf Al-Ashraf governorate. Key matchups include Masafi Al-Shamal vs Ghaz Al-Junoob and Erbil vs Al-Shorta on Thursday (May 8th). Friday (May 9th) features the crucial clash between league stage leaders Masafi Al-Shamal and runners-up Al-Shorta. The first gathering concludes Saturday (May 10th) with matches including Masafi Al-Shamal vs Erbil. This tournament marks the beginning of the final battle for the Iraqi volleyball championship, promising high-level competition among the nation's best clubs.
