Manama, Bahrain, June 16, 2025 – Final preparations are now complete for the highly anticipated launch of the inaugural AVC Men’s Nations Cup Bahrain 2025, scheduled to take place from June 17 to 24 at Isa Bin Rashid Hall, Isa Town, Bahrain. Eleven national teams will vie for the prestigious title and a coveted qualification spot for the 2026 Asian Men’s Volleyball Championship.
Formerly known as the AVC Challenge Cup for Men, the competition has undergone reform since 2023, transitioning from a biennial to an annual event. The AVC Men’s Nations Cup is now held in collaboration with Volleyball World, serving as the qualifying event for the 2026 Asian Men’s Championship, the qualification gateway to two major global competitions: the Olympic Games and the FIVB World Championship, with the eventual Asian champions in 2026 securing a berth in the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, Los Angeles 2028, and the top three teams from the Asian meet earning places at the 2027 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
The rebranding reflects the increasing competitiveness among AVC-affiliated national federations. Participation in the AVC Nations Cup is limited to 12 teams that are not competing in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL), providing them an opportunity to enhance their performance and showcase their capabilities on an international stage.
Although 12 teams had initially confirmed their participation, Kazakhstan withdrew at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances, leaving 11 teams in the running for the historic title.
The teams have been drawn into four pools for the preliminary round-robin stage:
• Pool A: Bahrain, Indonesia, Thailand
• Pool B: Qatar, Australia
• Pool C: Pakistan, Chinese Taipei, Philippines
• Pool D: Korea, Vietnam, New Zealand
The top two teams from each pool will advance to the quarterfinals, while the third-placed teams will compete in the classification round for 9th–11th places.
Opening Day Fixtures (June 17):
• 14:00: Pool C: Pakistan vs Philippines
• 16:30: Pool D: Korea vs New Zealand
• 19:00: Pool A: Thailand vs Bahrain
In preparation for the event, the joint meeting between the AVC Control Committee and local organizers was held on Sunday, June 15 at Fayuz Hall, Hilton Hotel.
The meeting, chaired by ConTrol Committee President Mr Mohamed Latheef from Maldives, who also serves as AVC Executive Vice President and President of Volleyball Association of Maldives, focused on finalizing operational, technical, and logistical details to ensure a smooth tournament kickoff.
Key Control Committee members in attendance included Technical Delegate: Mr Radita Darwis from Indonesia, Technical Sub-Committee: Mr Mohammed Jalal Isa Hassan (Bahrain), Referee Delegate: Dr Khaled Alzughaibi (Saudi Arabia), Referee Sub-Committee: Mr Jaafar Ebrahim Ahmed Ali (Bahrain), Medical Delegate: Dr Joji Yoshizawa (Japan) and Competition Technology Director Mr Pavarit Dairinram (Thailand) and AVC Coordinator Ms Patana Kittichaisombat,
Following productive discussions, participants conducted comprehensive inspections of both the training and competition venues. Isa Bin Rashid Hall, with a seating capacity of 3,600, was confirmed fully prepared to host the championship.
Later that evening, the Preliminary Inquiry was held at Rotana Downtown to verify team documents, uniforms, and equipment, with participation from team managers, coaches, and medical staff.
Referees also underwent medical evaluations led by Dr Yoshizawa and attended a referee clinic covering theoretical and practical aspects, including use of the Video Challenge System to ensure accuracy in officiating.
List of Appointed Referees:
1. Samuel Chung (Australia)
2. Ali Kadhem Ahmed (Bahrain)
3. Yang Jing Hua (Chinese Taipei)
4. Indra Mufflih (Indonesia)
5. Ann Jaewoong (Korea)
6. Sami Hasan Sowayed (Bahrain, proxy for New Zealand)
7. Muhammad Sabtain (Pakistan)
8. Herbert Matimatico (Philippines)
9. Ibrahim Ali Jassim Mahmoud (Qatar)
10. Montree Boontrongtham (Thailand)
11. Nguyễn Huy Thong (Vietnam)
On Monday evening, the General Technical Meeting took place at the Al Maha Ballroom, Rotana Downtown, attended by Control Committee members, referees, local organizers, working groups, and team officials.
Bahrain Volleyball Association President Sheikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa presided over the meeting, expressing gratitude to AVC President Mr Ramon Suzara for entrusting Bahrain with hosting the inaugural AVC Men’s Nations Cup.
Control Committee President Mr Mohamed Latheef also delivered remarks:
“On behalf of the Control Committee, I extend our sincere thanks to His Excellency Sheikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Volleyball Association, for the outstanding hospitality and meticulous preparations. Your leadership has made this event truly exceptional. We warmly welcome all participating teams from across Asia and Oceania. We hope you enjoy your stay in Bahrain – a land of rich culture, warm hospitality, and a true spirit of sportsmanship,” he was quoted as saying in his speech.
“I also wish to thank the Technical Committee for their dedication and expertise, ensuring this tournament runs smoothly and meets the highest standards. Following thorough inspections, I am pleased to confirm that all venues and accommodations fully comply with FIVB regulations, ensuring a fair and safe environment for competition. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the Bahrain Volleyball Association for their generous support and outstanding organization.
“On behalf of the volleyball community, we thank AVC President Mr Raman Suzara for his tireless dedication to the sustainable growth of volleyball in Asia. His leadership has strengthened bonds among federations and inspired continuous development across the region. Finally, I wish all teams the best of luck. May you compete with passion, fairness, and unity.”
During the meeting, Technical Delegate Mr Radita Darwis reviewed competition procedures, player eligibility, team areas, and media placements.
Referee Delegate Dr Alzughaibi outlined match regulations, court discipline, and the Video Challenge System, while Medical Delegate Dr Yoshizawa briefed participants on medical protocols.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with all team officials fully prepared for the competition. Team coaches gathered for a group photo alongside officials and organizers, marking the official countdown to the inaugural AVC Men’s Nations Cup Bahrain 2025.
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https://asianvolleyball.net/new/2025-avc-mens-volleyball-nations-cup/
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