Bahrain open GCC Games against Oman

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s men’s volleyball team open their 2026 GCC Games campaign today in Doha with a testing clash against Oman, a fixture that could set the tone for their push through a demanding group.

The match, scheduled for 4 PM at the Women’s Hall in Aspire Zone, also marks the first major international assignment for Bahrain’s new head coach Ivan Joksimovic. Fresh off guiding Dar Kulaib to an unbeaten domestic league title, he now steps into the international spotlight with expectations already building.

Bahrain arrive with strong GCC pedigree, having claimed gold in 2011 and 2015 and most recently taking silver in 2022. But sustaining that level will be far from straightforward in a group packed with regional heavyweights.

After today’s opener, Bahrain face the UAE tomorrow, followed by Kuwait on Sunday, Qatar on Wednesday, and Saudi Arabia on Friday — five matches in six days, leaving little margin for recovery or error.

Oman, meanwhile, are coached by Nizar Al Sheekli, a former Bahrain head coach, adding an extra layer of familiarity and tactical intrigue. Both sides know each other’s systems well, which could turn this into a tight, tactical battle decided by small margins.