The biggest Volleyball show

Manama : The stage is set for one of the biggest volleyball competitions in the world, the 19th Asian Men’s U20 Championship, which gets underway today at Isa Sports City in Riffa. An impressive field of 24 nations from across the continent are competing in the event, which is scheduled to go on for the entire week.

The tournament has been organised by the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) in cooperation with the Bahrain Volleyball Association. It is being held under the patronage of His Majesty the King’s Charity Works and Youth Affairs Representative, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

A general technical preparatory meeting was held at Golden Tulip Hotel in Manama. In attendance were the tournament’s Control Committee President Saeed Derakhshandeh, International Referee Chang Chin Jong, Local Organising Committee Executive Director Jehad Khalfan, and officials from all the participating national teams.

Khalfan relayed the greetings of BVA President Shaikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa to all participating teams, and wished them all the best for the championship. The rules of the tournament were also discussed along with other relevant formalities, and the teams were given a chance to voice any concerns heading into the start of play. The tournament’s team of international referees was also introduced, as were the medical and media delegates. A Press conference followed, with the participation of several of the head coaches of the participating nations.