Urmia, Iran was abuzz with anticipation as the final 12 teams in the 22nd Asian Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship were announced on Monday evening.
By Sunday night, eight teams had firmly grasped their positions: Iran (the consecutive two-time defending champions and hosts), Japan, Qatar, Chinese Taipei, Iraq, Korea, Pakistan, and Bahrain. Monday’s matches added China, Indonesia, Thailand, and India to this prestigious list.
The Final 12 action kicks off on Wednesday, with pairings based on a draw that matches six pool winners with six runners-up. Highlights include:
- Pool A leaders, Iran, going up against Pakistan.
- Pool B champions, Japan, facing off against Bahrain.
- China from Pool C competing against India.
- Chinese Taipei from Pool D challenging Iraq.
- Qatar, the winners of Pool E, taking on Thailand.
- And finally, Pool F’s top team, Korea, battling Indonesia.
Based on the tournament’s structure, direct entries into Friday’s semi-finals are reserved for winners from the Iran-Pakistan and Japan-Bahrain matches. Meanwhile, the victors from the remaining Final 12 duels will clash in Thursday’s quarterfinals to determine the last two semi-finalist spots.
The climax of the championship is set for Saturday, where the gold and bronze medal matches will determine the top teams. The day will also feature other final classification games, marking an end to this grand volleyball event.
