Bahrain face tough title defence in Asia

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain will enter the 2026 AVC Men’s Volleyball Cup in India, beginning on June 20, as reigning champions, having won the inaugural edition in 2025. This time, they aim to prove their success was no one-off achievement.

Now competing in the second edition of the competition, the Kingdom faces a stronger field as they look to confirm their status at the continental level.

The draw has placed Bahrain in one of the tournament’s most competitive groups. Group A includes hosts India, alongside Australia (ranked 33rd in the world), Chinese Taipei, Kazakhstan, and New Zealand, setting up a demanding test for the defending champions from the outset.

Australia stands out as a proven powerhouse in Asian volleyball, while Kazakhstan and Chinese Taipei bring consistency and physicality. New Zealand’s international experience and India’s home advantage further intensify the competition, making Group A one of the tournament’s most unpredictable pools.

Bahrain arrives under French head coach Arnaud Josserand, carrying momentum from their 2025 AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup triumph on home soil at Isa bin Rashid Hall. They are the reigning champions of the inaugural edition, having defeated Pakistan 3–1 in the final on June 24, 2025 to secure their first-ever AVC title. Qatar finished third in that tournament. Mohamed Anan was the top scorer in the final with 27 points.

That campaign also delivered individual recognition, with Mohamed Abdulla Yaqoob named Most Valuable Player and selected in the Dream Team alongside teammates Mahmood AlAffia and Ali Khamis Ebrahim.

The current squad retains a settled core, including Mohamed Anan, Hassan Al Warqaa, Mohamed Yaqoob, Ali Ebrahim, Mahmood Abdulwahid, Mohammed Jassim, and Sayed Hashim Isa, ensuring continuity and cohesion.

A significant boost comes with the return of captain Nasser Anan after a disciplinary suspension, adding depth and firepower to Bahrain’s attack.

Beyond the Nations Cup success, Bahrain’s rise is reinforced by their victory in the 23rd Arab Men’s Volleyball Championship, reflecting steady regional progress. They now sit 40th in the world rankings and face a sharp rise in quality against higher-ranked opposition.

Group B features Qatar (ranked 21st in the world), South Korea (ranked 26th), Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Oman, completing a balanced but highly competitive 12-teamfield. For Bahrain, the focus is no longer on breakthrough success, but on confirmation. The challenge in Ahmedabad is whether they can establish themselves as consistent Asian contenders.