Muharraq retain Crown Prince Cup title

Holders Muharraq successfully defended their crown last night, defeating rivals Dar Kulaib 3–1 (22–25, 25–18, 25–13, 25–18) in the final of the 2025–26 His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s Cup at Isa Bin Rashid Volleyball Arena.

The win secured Muharraq a record-extending 15th title in the competition and denied Dar Kulaib a domestic double after their league triumph earlier this season. It also brought a bittersweet ending for Dar Kulaib head coach Ivan Joksimovic, who will now depart to take charge of the Bahrain national team. His final act at club level ended in heartbreak, as Dar Kulaib’s search for a sixth Crown Prince Cup title goes on.

Muharraq, led by Yaseen Al Meel, recovered strongly after losing the opening set, gradually taking control through improved blocking, aggressive serving, and greater composure in key moments.

Dar Kulaib made the brighter start, edging the opening set 25–22 behind strong attacking play from Kenyan import Enock Mogeni and solid net presence. But Muharraq responded quickly, with Swedish star Jakob Link leading the charge as they levelled the match 25–18 in the second set.

The turning point came in the third. Despite Dar Kulaib building a five-point lead midway through the set, Muharraq tightened their defence and punished errors with clinical attacking to surge back and take it 25–13.

From there, the champions took full control. Carrying momentum into the fourth set, Muharraq established an early lead and never relinquished it. Link and Nasser Anan continued to deliver in key moments, while Dar Kulaib struggled to regain rhythm despite brief resistance from Ali Marhoon.

Link again played a key role as Muharraq moved to match point, before Majeed Mohammed sealed the victory with a powerful spike to complete a 25–18 win in the final set.

It was another statement performance from the “Red Wolves”, who retained the cup they also claimed against Dar Kulaib last season, further reinforcing their dominance in Bahraini volleyball.