Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, July 16, 2025 – Japan, Pakistan, Iran, and India extended their winning streaks in the Asian Men’s U16 Volleyball Championship Thailand 2025, as the thrilling race toward the semifinals reaches a decisive crescendo.
On Wednesday at Nakhon Pathom Gymnasium, India edged past a gritty Uzbekistan side, silver medalists from the previous edition, after a dramatic five-set battle to keep their hopes of qualifying alive.
With only the top two teams from each pool in the 1st–8th Classification Round (Pools E and F) advancing to Friday’s high-stakes semifinals, all eight elite squads left no room for error in their quest for continental glory.
After four days of electrifying matches, Japan and Pakistan remain the only two teams yet to drop a single set in this premier youth competition.
Pool E Highlights: Japan Power Past Hosts Thailand, India Survive Uzbekistan Thriller
In a much-anticipated showdown, Japan overcame a strong start from hosts Thailand to claim a straight-set victory (25–22, 25–19, 25–16).
Thailand impressed early, led by outside hitters Pariwat Toehem and Anawit Chathannaree, who combined fluidly in attack. Both teams traded points evenly until Japan broke through, with Hayato Konishide and Junya Tezuka tearing through the Thai defense with decisive spikes to seal the opening set.
Despite valiant resistance from the Thai side, which tried to rally with varied combinations, unforced errors crept in midway through the second set. Japan maintained composure, capturing the next two sets to close out the match.
Sensho Yanagi and Junya Tezuka led the Japanese offense with 12 points apiece. For Thailand, Pariwat was the top scorer, with Anawit and Chutiphol Thurakij adding 10 and 9 points respectively.
Later in the day, India endured a rollercoaster encounter against Uzbekistan, winning the match in exhausting five sets (25–21, 25–16, 19–25, 18–25, 15–13).
Attada Charan led the Indian charge with 19 points, including 14 attacks, a match-high 4 blocks, and an ace. He was supported by Rafik Ahmad and Apratim Bhadauriya, who contributed 18 and 15 points respectively. Khakim Begimkulov delivered a standout performance for Uzbekistan with a match-best 22 points.
India outshone Uzbekistan in attacks (57–53) and blocks (12–8), while the latter had more aces (6–5) and gained slightly more from opponents’ errors (33–28).
Pool F Highlights: Iran Outlast Korea, Pakistan Dominate Indonesia
Defending champions Iran continued their title defense in style, overcoming a strong challenge from Korea in four sets (25–21, 27–29, 25–22, 25–20), in one of the day’s most riveting matches.
Arash Ashrafi was Iran’s offensive powerhouse, scoring 25 points from 22 attacks and 3 blocks. Korea’s Kang Kyungmin responded with a match-high 26 points, including 20 attacks and 4 blocks, but it wasn’t enough to stop Iran’s momentum.
Statistically, Iran dominated in kills (66–42) and narrowly edged out Korea in blocks (13–12). Both teams were even in service points (3–3).
Iran are set for a blockbuster clash against Pakistan on Thursday, with both sides boasting unbeaten records. Korea will face Indonesia in a must-win encounter.
Earlier, Pakistan, fourth-place finishers at the previous edition, made full use of their superior height to overpower Indonesia in straight sets (25–23, 25–20, 25–20). With an average height of 192cm compared to Indonesia’s 180cm, the Pakistani team claimed their fourth consecutive straight-set victory.
Muhammad Junaid scored 15 points (10 attacks), while Faizan Ullah and Muhammad Talha Mehar chipped in 11 and 8 points respectively. Raka Dwi Prasertyo led Indonesia with 15 points, supported by Reyhan Ali Akbar and Bayu Pamungkas, who contributed 11 and 8 points respectively
9–16 Classification: China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Chinese Taipei Secure Wins
At Ratchaburi Gymnasium, lower-ranked teams battled for classification spots, with Mongolia and China securing victories in Pool G.
China had a rest day, earning a win by forfeit against the disqualified United Arab Emirates. Mongolia convincingly defeated Australia in straight sets (25–21, 25–19, 25–17), led by Sainbayar Balbold, who delivered 15 points (9 attacks, 1 block). Dylan Ottaway was the standout for Australia with 19 points.
Mongolia will meet China on Thursday, while Australia will claim three points due to UAE’s absence.
In Pool H, Kazakhstan prevailed over Saudi Arabia in four sets (25–23, 25–14, 23–25, 25–17). Mansur Maratuly stood out with 17 points, including three blocks and six aces, while teammates Mansur Seitaskarov and Akzhol Zhumagali added 14 points apiece. Saudi Arabia captain Mukhtar Saeed led all scorers with 20 points.
Kazakhstan excelled across the board: in attack (48–31), blocking (12–6), and service (13–5). Saudi Arabia gained more from opponents’ errors (37–25).
Kazakhstan will next take on Chinese Taipei, bronze medalists at both the 2023 edition in Uzbekistan and the 2024 FIVB Boys’ U17 World Championship in Bulgaria. Saudi Arabia will face Hong Kong, China, which lost to Chinese Taipei in straight sets (15–25, 21–25, 19–25) on Wednesday.
After Thursday’s final matches in the Classification Round, top two teams in Pools E and F will advance to the semifinals, while third and fourth-placed teams will enter the 5th–8th classification matches.
Similarly, top two teams from Pools G and H will progress to the 9th–12th playoffs, with the third and fourth-placed teams competing for 13th–16th places.
The top four finishers at this championship will earn qualification for the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship, where 24 of the world’s best youth teams will compete for global supremacy.
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MATCH RESULTS
MATCH RESULTS
July 16, 2025
At Nakhon Pathom Gymnasium
1-8 Classification Round
Pool E: Japan b Thailand 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-16)
Pool E: India b Uzbekistan 3-2 (25-21, 25-16, 19-25, 18-25, 15-13)
Pool F: Iran b Korea 3-1 (25-21, 27-29, 25-22, 25-20)
Pool F: Pakistan b Indonesia 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-20)
At Ratchasima Gymnasium
9-16 Classification Round
Pool G: China b United Arab Emirates 3-0 (bye)
Pool G: Mongolia b Australia 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-17)
Pool H: Kazakhstan b Saudi Arabia 3-1 (25-23, 25-14, 23-25, 25-17)
Pool H: Chinese Taipei b Hong Kong, China 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-19)
MATCH SCHEDULE
July 17, 2025
At Nakhon Pathom Gymnasium
1-8 Classification Round
10.00: Indonesia v Korea
12.30: Iran v Pakistan
15.00: Thailand v Uzbekistan
17.30: Japan v India
At Ratchaburi Gymnasium
9-16 Classification Round
10.00: Australia b United Arab Emirates 3-0 (bye)
12.30pm: China v Mongolia
15.00: Hong Kong, China v Saudi Arabia
17.30: Kazakhstan v Chinese Taipei
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