Manama, Bahrain, August 4, 2024 – China were crowned champions in the 15th Asian Men’s U18 Volleyball Championship on Sunday night.
The Chinese clinched their first-ever title in the competition after battling past Iran 3-2 (23-25, 25-17, 25-19, 20-25, 15-10) in a thrilling final played at the Bahrain Volleyball Association’s (BVA) Isa bin Rashid Arena at Isa Sports City in Riffa, located on the outskirts of the Bahraini capital of Manama.
China had previously won bronze four times, most recently in 2017, and now improved on their fifth-place finish from the last edition of the championship in 2022. Iran came away with the silver medal for the third time and for the second straight edition.
In the gold medal match, Iran held the early advantage and went 10-6 ahead following a fine attack by Mohammad Amin Rahimi. The Chinese gradually cut into their deficit and the two teams were later tied at 23-apiece. But following a Mobin Kolasangiani point that prompted a pair of challenges from both teams, Iran’s was deemed successful and it earned them set point. Bateni then took full advantage and sealed the early advantage with a clever tip.
In the second set, the Chinese were dominant, racing out to a commanding lead and never withering. They carried their momentum over into the third set and began pulling away, but Iran fought back. China were able to maintain their composure and came up with key plays, and a Hu Hanlin spike sealed the frame for a slim 2-1 advantage.
Iran battled to stay in the fight in the fourth set. They built a sizable lead midway through, with a Bateni attack making it 12-6. Later, Saribaglouyaralegh Amirreza Saadat set Rahimi up for a brilliant smash for a 16-10 lead, and they stretched the gap even further to 20-12. But China closed in until Rahimi gave Iran set point, and then Noureyni Amir Naderi supplied the winner, setting up the tie-break.
There, Wang Jingkebo broke a 5-all deadlock and then two straight defensive stops gave the Chinese a 10-6 edge. They never looked back from there.
Haoqian struck for an 11-6 advantage, and then Wang was on target yet again to make it 12-7. Match point was later awarded following another pair of challenges, and then Li Xuyang sealed the title for China with a brilliant spike.
Li, who has been in top form throughout the championship, finished as the game’s leading scorer with 20 points. Ding added 15 and Wang had 10 in the win. Rahimi scored 18 for Iran, while Kolasangiani chipped in12 and Bateni 11 in the loss.
Following the game, China head coach Hou Chundi said through an interpreter that their teamwork was key to their success in the final. He noted that Iran were a strong side that gave them a great challenge in the final, but the Chinese played their best from the very beginning and it helped them seal the crown.
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