Manama, Bahrain, June 24, 2025 – Bahrain wrote the next chapter of history on Tuesday night, securing their maiden AVC title in front of a jubilant home crowd after a magnificent come-from-behind 3-1 (23-25, 25-16, 25-17, 25-18) victory over Pakistan in the final of the inaugural AVC Men’s Nations Cup at Isa bin Rashid Hall.
As the final whistle blew, scenes of unbridled joy erupted across the venue. Bahraini players embraced one another in celebration, dancing in a circle at center court, while team officials and staff of the Bahrain Volleyball Association exchanged congratulatory hugs. Smiles, laughter, and pride filled the arena as passionate home supporters clapped and jumped in the stands, marking a storybook ending to the eight-day tournament.
For Pakistan, it was another heartbreak in Bahrain, having also finished runners-up at the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup, where they fell to Qatar in the final at the same venue. Tuesday’s loss also avenged Bahrain’s 1-3 defeat to Pakistan in the 7th–8th playoff of the 2023 Asian Men’s Championship in Urmia, Iran.
The final began with both sides trading blows in a closely contested opening set. Pakistan edged ahead in the closing moments to take it 25-23. However, Bahrain regrouped in the second, with Mohamed Abdulla Yaqoob, Mohamed Anan, and Naser Anan leading the charge. The trio combined explosive attacks with solid blocking to dismantle Pakistan’s defense, taking the second set convincingly 25-16.
With momentum on their side and fueled by roaring home fans, Bahrain dominated the third set. A commanding 15-12 lead quickly grew, and the hosts closed it out 25-17 with powerful and coordinated net play.
The fourth set remained tight early on, but Bahrain found their rhythm once more. As Pakistan struggled to mount a late comeback, the hosts pulled away to seal the set 25-18, the match, and the championship.
Mohamed Anan starred for Bahrain with a match-high 27 points, including 26 attacks and an ace. Yaqoob added 20 points, with 14 kills. Pakistan’s Usman Faryad Ali led his team with 15 points, while captain Murad Jehan contributed 11.
Both teams were evenly matched in blocking (8-8), but Bahrain held the edge in other areas: attacks (56 to 47), service aces (9 to 0), and opponent errors (25 to 21).
With the win, Bahrain earned an additional 6.75 points, climbing three places to world No.47 with 79.35 points. Pakistan dropped to No.42 with 92.83 points. As champions of the inaugural AVC Men’s Nations Cup, Bahrain qualified for the 2026 Asian Men’s Volleyball Championship – a gateway to global volleyball’s biggest stages: the 2027 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
In the third-place playoff earlier in the day, Qatar, champions of last year’s AVC Challenge Cup and 2018 AVC Cup, earned the bronze medal with a hard-fought 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-23) victory over Korea.
Middle blocker Belal Nabel Abunabot led Qatar with 12 points from 8 attacks and 4 blocks. Outside hitter Raimi Wadidie added 11 points, while Youssef Oughlaf and Papemaguette Diagne contributed 9 points each.
For Korea, opposite Im Donghyeok led with 13 points, while Heo Subong and Choi Junhyeok added 10 and 9 points, respectively.
The straight-set win earned Qatar 7.37 points to maintain their position at world No.24 with 154.59 points, while Korea slipped two spots to No.27 with 136.81 points.
In the 9th–11th classification, the Philippines secured their first win of the tournament with a 3-1 (25-16, 23-25, 25-11, 25-22) triumph over New Zealand.
Opposite Steven Charles Rotter powered the Philippines with 20 points from 17 attacks, 1 block, and 2 aces. Outside hitters Louie Ramirez and Marck Jesus Espejo each scored 14 points. New Zealand’s Seth Grant led his side with 13 points, while Andrew Salmon added 12.
The win earned the Philippines 6.04 points, moving them up two places to world No.66 with 36.80 points. New Zealand fell to No.68 with 34.60 points.
AVC President Mr Ramon Suzara, himself President of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, was also present at the competition venue to watch the match.
With three teams contesting the round robin 9th-11th playoffs, Thailand had already beaten Philippines and New Zealand, registering 6 points from two straight wins to return with the 9th place. Philippines had 3 points from one win against one loss to finish 10th place, with winless New Zealand coming in 11th position.
Control Committee President Mr Mohamed Latheef, who also serves as AVC Executive Vice President and President of the Volleyball Association of Maldives, presided over the awards ceremony. He presented Bahrain with the gold medals and the AVC Men’s Nations Cup Champions Trophy.
On behalf of AVC President Mr Ramon Suzara, Mr Latheef also presented an AVC Plaque of Appreciation to Shaikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Volleyball Association, in recognition of BVA’s outstanding contribution as co-host and organizer of the inaugural tournament. In return, Shaikh Ali presented Mr. Latheef with the BVA Plaque as a token of gratitude for the AVC’s continued support.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Best Outside Hitters
Mohamed Abdulla Yaqoob (#17 Bahrain)
Murad Jehan (#15 Pakistan)
Best Middle Blockers
Musawer Khan (#18 Pakistan)
Belal Nabel Abunabot (#7 Qatar)
Best Libero
Ayman Haroon (#18 Bahrain)
Best Setter
Mahmoud Alafyah (#7 Bahrain)
Best Opposite Spiker
Ali Khamis Ebrahim (#13 Bahrain)
MVP
Mohamed Abdulla Yaqoob (#17 Bahrain)
FINAL RANKINGS
1.Bahrain
2. Pakistan
3. Qatar
4.Korea
5. Australia
6. Indonesia
7. Chinese Taipei
8. Vietnam
9. Thailand
10. Philippines
11. New Zealand
Watch live matches through Volleyball World YouTube
Click the link below for match schedule, results and photos
https://asianvolleyball.net/new/2025-avc-mens-volleyball-nations-cup/
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