Dubai: Iran are hoping to prove their position as Asia’s best volleyball nation when they begin their campaign against hosts UAE at the 2015 FIVB Men’s U23 World Championship on Monday.
Iran and the UAE are joined by Italy, Cuba, South Korea and Egypt in Pool A at the Al Nasr indoor hall, while Pool B consists of reigning champions Brazil, Russia, Argentina, Turkey, Mexico and Tunisia at Al Ahli Club.
Iran’s volleyball structure at age-level competitions is strong, and this has resulted in them faring well at international competitions, finishing fifth in the inaugural U23 championship held in Brazil in 2013.
Their coach Peyman Akbari, a former national team player, is fresh from leading club side Paykan at the Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship in Chinese Taipei, where they reached the semi-finals.
Their exit allows Akbari and his two star players — Nasser Esfahani Ali Reza and skipper Purya Fayazi — the chance to join the U23 squad in Dubai on Sunday.
Assistant coach Saeid Rezaei, also a former national team player, has been at the helm in Akbari’s absence and he told Gulf News on Saturday: “Everyone is aware of what Iran can do on a volleyball court. We have proved this time and again in the past.
“This week things will be no different as we need to stop the talk and actually show the world how good we are.
“Iran has always done well at age-group competitions. We know we are good enough to match any of the big teams. The other teams are also aware of the threat we pose to them. Now is the time to translate this on the court and prove to everyone that Iran is the best.”
“This is a world championship, so there can be no easy team. We need to be careful and stay concentrated and organised at all times. There is a change happening in the world of volleyball and Iran is definitely part of this change. Now is the time for us to prove this.”
