Yazd, Iran, September 8, 2024 – The 2024 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship kicked off in spectacular fashion in Yazd, Iran, with an exciting first day of matches that showcased the very best of club volleyball talent from across the continent. The tournament, being held from September 7-15, promises to deliver high-octane action, with teams battling for the prestigious title and two slots for the FIVB Men’s Club World Championship later this year in India.
Shahdab Yazd Stun Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi
In the most highly-anticipated match of the day, hosts Shahdab Yazd Cultural and Athletic Club of Iran thrilled a packed home crowd of nearly 5,000 fans by defeating Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi of Indonesia 3-1 (25-19, 25-18, 23-25, 25-20).
The Indonesian side, boasting Olympic superstar Earvin Ngapeth, put up a strong fight, but Shahdab Yazd’s two-month of preparation paid off, as they utilized their home-court advantage to claim the victory.
As the vice champions of the Iranian Super League, Shahdab Yazd demonstrated their strength and determination. Backed by the unrelenting support of their fans, they were able to beat Jakarta Bhayangkara, the 2023 Asian Club Championship runners-up. Shahdab’s impressive performance has set the tone for their campaign in the championship.
Arab Rivalry: Gas Al Janoob Defeat Al-Rayyan Sports Club
Another thrilling encounter on the opening day saw Iraq’s Gas Al Janoob defeat Qatar’s Al-Rayyan Sports Club 3-1 (25-23, 25-20, 20-25, 25-21) in an Arab duel. The Qatari team, the most honored club in the competition’s history with two runner-up finishes in 2013 and 2014, struggled against a well-prepared Gas Al Janoob side.
Under the guidance of Alaa Khalaf, the Iraqi champions showed resilience and skill, handing Al-Rayyan their first-ever defeat against them.
Gas Al Janoob’s Gleb Radchenko led the team with 21 points, while Oliver Venno of Al-Rayyan was the match’s top scorer with 22 points. Despite the injury to key player Reath Azeez Mohamed, Gas Al Janoob prevailed, marking an important victory in their tournament journey.
Other Results On Day 1
In a dominant performance, Foolad Sirjan Iranian cruised past Kam Air of Afghanistan with a straight-set win, 3-0 (25-11, 25-11, 25-20).
Foolad Sirjan’s head coach, Behrouz Ataei, remained cautious, remarking, “This first step was not challenging for us, but volleyball is full of surprises. Today, we saw Iraq beat a very experienced Al-Rayyan, so we must remain vigilant.”
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar Volleyball Club edged out Kuwait Sporting Club 3-1 (28-26, 25-22, 23-25, 25-23) in a tightly contested match that saw both teams engage in intense rallies.
MATCH RESULTS
September 8
Pavlodar Volleyball Club (KAZ) b Kuwait Sporting Club (KUW): 3-1 (28-26, 25-22, 23-25, 25-23)
Gas Al Janoob (IRQ) b Al-Rayyan Sports Club (QAT): 3-1 (25-23, 25-20, 20-25, 25-21)
Shahdab Yazd Cultural and Athletic Club (IRI) b Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi (INA): 3-1 (25-19, 25-18, 23-25, 25-20)
Foolad Sirjan Iranian (IRI) b Kam Air (AFG): 3-0 (25-11, 25-11, 25-20)
MATCH SCHEDULE
September 9
1100 – Kuwait Sporting Club (KUW) vs Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi (INA)
1400 – Al-Rayyan Sports Club (QAT) vs Kam Air (AFG)
1700 – Shahdab Yazd Cultural and Athletic Club (IRI) vs Pavlodar Volleyball Club (KAZ)
2000 – Foolad Sirjan Iranian (IRI) vs Gas Al Janoob (IRQ)
As the championship progresses, fans can expect even more thrilling matches as the top clubs from Asia compete for continental glory in this prestigious tournament.
QUICK LINKS
AVC Website: click www.asianvolleyball.net
AVC Facebook: click www.Facebook.com/AsianVolleyballConfederation
AVC Twitter: click: www.twitter.com/AsianVolleyball
AVC Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/avcvolley/?hl=en
Mikasa Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/mikasasports_official
AVC Youtube: click: Asian Volleyball Confederation
AVC WeChat: Asian Volleyball Confederation
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