Manama, Bahrain, June 17, 2025 – Hosts Bahrain, Pakistan and Korea opened their campaigns with impressive victories on Tuesday as the inaugural AVC Men’s Nations Cup Bahrain 2025 got underway at Isa bin Rashid Hall, launching the eight-day competition with three action-packed encounters.
Bahrain kicked off their Pool A campaign with a 3-1 (25-21, 21-25, 25-19, 25-22) win over Thailand, while Pakistan overcame the Philippines 3-1 (25-18, 25-12, 18-25, 25-22) in Pool C and Korea swept New Zealand 3-0 (28-26, 25-13, 25-22) in Pool D.
In a rematch of the 2023 AVC Challenge Cup final, Bahrain, cheered on by passionate, drum-beating home fans, made a powerful start in the opening set, utilizing their aggressive attacks and tight blocking from outside hitter Mohamed Abdulla Yaqoob and middle blocker Mohamed Abdulla to surge ahead 18-6. Thailand mounted a spirited fightback behind substitute Supakorn Jenthaisong’s strong attacking to close the gap to 20-24, but Bahrain held firm to take the set 25-21.
Thailand responded with greater intensity in the second set, tightening their defense and capitalizing on Bahrain’s errors to level the match after a 25-21 win.
From there, the hosts raised their level, with sharp offensive plays and consistent blocking forcing Thailand into mistakes. Bahrain took control to win the third set 25-19 before holding off a late Thai surge to seal the fourth set 25-22 and the match.
Opposite Ebrahim Ali Khamis led Bahrain’s scoring with 15 points (13 attacks, 2 blocks), while captain Naser Anan and Yaqoob contributed 14 and 13 points respectively. Thailand’s veteran middle blocker Kissada Nilsawai scored a team-high 12 points, supported by Chaiwat Thungkham and Supakorn Jenthaisong with 11 and 10 points.
Bahrain dominated in blocking with 17 stuffs to Thailand’s four, although Thailand led in kills (59 to 41) and aces (2 to 1). However, the Thai team were undone by unforced errors, conceding 30 points compared to Bahrain’s 13.
With the win, Bahrain earned 5.76 ranking points to climb to world No.63 with 48.88 points, while Thailand slipped four spots to No.67.
Earlier, world No.43 Pakistan produced a confident display to defeat the Philippines 3-1 in Pool C. After controlling the first two sets, Pakistan faced resistance in the third set as opposite Leo Ordiales powered the Philippines’ attack with 10 of his match-high 22 points to extend the contest.
Ordiales continued to spearhead the Filipino challenge in the fourth set, with solid support from Michaelo Buddin and Rwenzmel Taguibolos, reducing the deficit to 21-22. However, Pakistan regrouped and executed key plays down the stretch to close out the win.
Pakistan’s offensive balance was reflected in three players reaching double digits – Murad Khan, Afaq Khan, and Musawer Khan each scoring 14 points. Ordiales finished as the match’s top scorer with 22 points (15 attacks, 5 blocks, 2 aces), while teammates Steven Charles Rotter and Buddin contributed 10 points apiece.
The win propelled Pakistan to world No.46 with 81.07 points, while the Philippines dropped to No.65 with 42.31 points.
In the other encounter, Korea swept New Zealand in straight sets behind the stellar play of opposite Im Donghyeok, who scored a match-high 18 points, including 15 attacks and 2 blocks.
After a close opening set, Korea took complete control in the second with superior depth and composure.
New Zealand, led by Seth Grant (12 points) and Mana Placid (10 points), showed determination in the third set but fell short against Korea’s steady defense and quick attacks.
Looking ahead, the Philippines face a must-win clash against Chinese Taipei at 14:00 local time on Wednesday, followed by Vietnam making their tournament debut against New Zealand at 16:30.
Thailand, also in a must-win situation, will take on reigning SEA Games champions Indonesia at 19:00. With Indonesia ranked 12 places higher at world No.55, Thailand must rise to the occasion to avoid relegation to the classification round for 9th–11th places.
Eleven teams are contesting the inaugural AVC Men’s Nations Cup, which serves as a qualification event for the 2026 Asian Men’s Volleyball Championship, providing pathways to two global showpieces: the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and the 2027 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
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