Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, July 17, 2025 – The race for continental glory and global qualification intensified as Japan, India, Pakistan and Iran punched their tickets to both the semifinals of the Asian Men’s U16 Volleyball Championship Thailand 2025 and the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship.
Thursday’s 1-8 Classification Round served up a feast of fierce battles, as the eight elite teams left no stone unturned in pursuit of the coveted top-four finish and a spot on the world stage.
Japan extended their unbeaten streak, showing nerves of steel in a hard-fought 3-1 comeback win (23-25, 25-15, 25-12, 25-23) over India. Meanwhile, hosts Thailand thrilled home fans with a gutsy 3-1 (25-22, 25-15, 21-25, 25-18) victory over 2023 silver medallists Uzbekistan.
In Pool F, Pakistan carved their names in the history books, toppling reigning champions Iran with a tenacious 3-1 (25-23, 25-19, 22-25, 31-29) triumph, a monumental milestone for their youth volleyball program. In a nail-biting five-set thriller, Korea outlasted Indonesia 25-17, 25-20, 20-25, 17-25, 15-10 to wrap up the day’s action.
After two days of intense playoff encounters, the standings crystalized:
Pool E: Japan led the pack with 9 points from three wins, followed by India (5 points), Thailand (3 points) and Uzbekistan (1 point).
Pool F: Pakistan reigned supreme with a perfect 9-point haul, trailed by Iran (6 points), Korea (2), and Indonesia (1).
With the top two teams from each pool advancing, Japan, India, Pakistan and Iran marched confidently into Friday’s semifinals and, more importantly, into next year’s U17 World Championship.
For Pakistan, the semifinal berth and World Championship qualification marked a watershed moment. Their spirited victory over Iran showcased a squad firing on all cylinders, combining athleticism, cohesion, and a never-say-die attitude that made their nation proud.
Pakistan edged ahead in attacks (52–45) and outblocked their rivals 15–11, though Iran held the upper hand at the service line (5–2) and capitalized slightly more on opponents’ errors (35–34).
Faizan Ullah led the charge with a match-high 23 points (21 attacks, 2 blocks), ably supported by Muhammad Irfan (17) and Muhammad Junaid (12). On the other side, Maziyar Fallahkharyeki and Azhvan Namazi spearheaded Iran’s resistance with 14 and 13 points respectively.
The Friday’s semifinal matchups promise high drama, with Pakistan (Pool F winners) taking on India, runners-up in Pool E, and Japan (Pool E winners) going up against Iran, which finished second in Pool F.
Japan maintained their stranglehold on the tournament with a polished 3-1 win over India. While India showed flashes of brilliance, especially in the final set, Japan’s clinical execution, strategic blocking, and court command ensured their fifth straight victory.
Hayato Konishide starred with 17 points (16 attacks, 1 block), with Junya Tezuka and Sensho Yanagi chipping in 16 and 14 respectively. For India, Abdulla Abdulla topped the scoring chart with 14 points.
With the top four sealing World Championship slots, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Korea and Indonesia now gear up for 5th–8th classification battles, with Thailand crossing swords with Indonesia and Korea taking on Uzbekistan.
On Thursday, Thailand bounced back with poise, outclassing Uzbekistan in four gripping sets.
Though Uzbekistan led in attacks (53–40), aces (7–6) and forced more errors from the Thais (31–24), the hosts leaned on efficient teamwork and Pariwat Toehem’s 20-point heroics to emerge victorious. Chtiphol Thurakit and Aphinat Malasri also delivered key contributions.
Meanwhile, the Korea–Indonesia duel was a rollercoaster, with Korea sprinting to a 2-0 lead, only to see Indonesia force a decider. However, Korea’s grit shone through as they closed out the final set 15-10.
Kim Onyou paced Korea with 18 points, with Seo Donghyeon and Kang Kyungmin adding 16 apiece. Indonesia’s Bayu Pamungkas was valiant in defeat, tallying 19 points.
In the 9th–16th classification, Mongolia and China topped Pool G, while Chinese Taipei and Kazakhstan ruled Pool H. These four will vie for 9th–12th places, while the remaining teams will battle in the 13th–16th playoffs.
Chinese Taipei, bronze medallists from both the last Asian edition and the 2023 U17 Worlds, breezed past Kazakhstan in straight sets (25-16, 25-22, 25-15). No player hit double digits, but Lu Yu-Xiang stood out with 9 points.
Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia savored their first win, downing Hong Kong, China 3-1 (25-23, 25-17, 24-26, 25-16), with Saeed Mukhtar putting on a masterclass performance, 39 points (37 attacks, 1 block, 1 ace).
Mongolia upset China in straight sets, with Sainbayar Batbold and Buyandelger Ganbaatar each notching 14 points. Guang XianYang led China with 13 points.
Australia earned three points by walkover after their scheduled match against United Arab Emirates, who were disqualified.
On Friday, the 9–12 playoffs see Mongolia take on Kazakhstan and Chinese Taipei fight it out with China, while in the 13–16 playoffs, Australia will face Hong Kong, China and Saudi Arabia await the winners of that match in the 13-14 playoff match.
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MATCH RESULTS
At Nakhon Pathom Gymnasium
1-8 Classification Round
Pool E: Thailand b Uzbekistan 3-1 (25-22, 25-15, 21-25, 25-18)
Pool E: Japan b India 3-1 (23-25, 25-15, 25-12, 25-23)
Pool F: Korea b Indonesia 3-2 (25-17, 25-20, 20-25, 17-25, 15-10)
Pool F: Pakistan b Iran 3-1 (25-23, 25-19, 22-25, 31-29)
At Ratchaburi Gymnasium
9-16 Classification Round
Pool G: Australia b United Arab Emirates 3-0
Pool G: Mongolia b China 3-0 (25-19, 26-24, 25-21)
Pool H: Saudi Arabia b Hong Kong, China 3-1 (25-23, 25-17, 24-26, 25-16)
Pool H: Chinese Taipei b Kazakhstan 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-15)
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