Bahrain Crowned Inaugural AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup Champions
In a thrilling final played on home soil in Manama, Bahrain etched its name in the history books as the first-ever AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup champions, becoming the fifth different winner across the five editions of the tournament, previously known as the AVC Men’s Challenge Cup. Tuesday’s victory not only marked the country’s most significant volleyball achievement to date but also secured their place at the 2026 Asian Men’s Volleyball Championship.
Bahrain overcame Pakistan in a high-octane four-set final, battling back from a set down to claim a majestic 3-1 (23-25, 25-16, 25-17, 25-18) victory at the Isa bin Rashid Hall. It was redemption for Bahrain, who had finished as runners-up in 2023—while Pakistan, who also settled for silver last year, were again denied championship glory.
Key to Bahrain’s triumph were exceptional performances from their star players. Outside hitter Mohamed Abdulla Yaqoob dazzled the home crowd with four aces and two kill blocks, amassing a total of 20 points in the final. Yaqoob’s dominant presence throughout the tournament earned him the esteemed title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) and a place on the tournament’s Dream Team. Opposite Mohamed Anan led all scorers with a phenomenal 27 points, including one ace. From Pakistan, outside hitter Usman Faryad Ali and captain Murad Jehan managed 15 and 11 points, respectively, but could not turn the tide.
Securing bronze, last year’s champions Qatar convincingly swept Korea in straight sets (25-21, 25-20, 25-23) in the third-place playoff. Middle blocker Belal Nabel Abunabot stood tall with four kill blocks in his 12-point haul, while outside Raimi Wadidie contributed with two aces and a total of 11 points. Korea’s Donghyeok Im topped the scoring chart for his side with 13 points, followed by Subong Heo with 10.
Earlier in the day, the Philippines triumphed over New Zealand in the battle for 10th place, coming away with a 3-1 (25-16, 23-25, 25-11, 25-22) win. Opposite Steven Charles Rotter powered the Southeast Asian squad with a match-high 20 points.
The official Dream Team of the tournament was a showcase of talent from across the continent. It included setter Mahmood Alafyah (Bahrain), opposite Ali Khamis Ebrahim (Bahrain), outside hitter Murad Jehan (Pakistan), middle blockers Musawer Khan (Pakistan) and Belal Nabel Abunabot (Qatar), and libero Ayman Haroon (Bahrain), alongside MVP Yaqoob.
Despite his team not making the final rounds, Chinese Taipei’s opposite Chang Yu-Sheng led the competition’s best scorer chart, notching an impressive 104 points (92 spikes, 4 kill blocks, 8 aces) throughout the tournament.
With their first continental title and a ticket to the 2026 continental championship secured, Bahrain’s victory marks a new era in West Asian volleyball.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
