We Will Have Tough Matches From the Very First Day

The head coach of Iraq’s Gas Al-Janoob volleyball team expressed optimism ahead of the 26th Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship, which kicks off tomorrow in Yazd, Iran. He noted that this year features eight strong teams, indicating that the competition will be particularly challenging from the very first match.

According to a report from the Volleyball Federation’s communications department, the championship will commence on Sunday, September 9.

Alaa Khalaf, the head coach, shared his excitement about being in Iran for the third time, having previously visited in 2013 and two years ago. He emphasized the tough competition ahead, stating that while previous tournaments included 16 teams, this year’s lineup of just eight presents a higher quality of play and more difficult matches.

Khalaf mentioned that his team began training a month ago, but faced challenges as some professional players only joined the team three days before the tournament. They recently played a friendly match against Shadab and are now prepared to compete in the group stage.

While he acknowledged the tough group comprising Al-Rayyan from Qatar, Foolad Sirjan, and Afghanistan, Khalaf remains hopeful for advancement, emphasizing the unpredictability that can arise during tournaments.

This marks Khalaf’s first visit to Yazd, where he noted the hospitality of the event organizers and the positive relations between Iran and Iraq. He also recognized the enthusiastic volleyball fans in Yazd, stating that strong support is crucial for showcasing high-quality volleyball. The Gas Al-Janoob team will face Al-Rayyan Sports Club tomorrow at 2 PM in their second match of the championship.