Al Khabbaz Called Up, Omar Sidelined

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

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.