BAHRAIN last night was hailed as a ‘perfect host’ on the eve of the much anticipated FIVB World Volleyball (under-19) Championship kicking off today at Shaikh Isa Sports City in Riffa.
All eyes, of course, will be on hosts Bahrain, who trigger their ambitious campaign against African giants Egypt at 7pm.
South Korea led the way in praising the hosts.
“Thank you to the Bahrain Volleyball Association and FIVB as we are very satisfied with the facilities and services prepared for us,” said coach Park Wongil at the official press conference at Golden Tulip Hotel in Manama which was attended by all the coaches.
And the hosts were gracious.
“Welcome, my friends and brothers participating in Bahrain,” said Bahrain coach Yousef Khalifa. “We are very happy to have you here.
“We are also really happy to be participating for the first time in this world championship.
“We wish that everybody has a great tournament.”
Argentina coach Luis Testashared was overwhelmed by the welcome his team received. “Thanks to Bahrain, who have received us like it is our own home,” he said.
On a more business-like tone, Poland’s coach Maciej Zendel admitted his team faced an uphill task as defending champions.
“It will be very difficult for us to win this tournament,” said a brutally honest Zendel.
“We will try to play our best game, as always. We will try and do everything we can to defend the title.”
According to Zendel, Brazil, Italy and Iran are the favourites to win the title.
But Iranian coach Reza Vakili Farjad was quick to contradict his Polish counterpart.
“I think all the teams have a chance for a medal,” opined Farjad.
US head coach Samuel Shweisky seemed to subscribe to this notion.
“There are a lot of very talented teams here. It is hard to say who the favourites are. It is a great opportunity to meet so many different countries. It’s going to be an exciting tournament,” was his take ahead of the championship.
French coach Belmadi Slimane, however, was more foresighted as he feels the championship is ‘ideal to scout some of the world’s stars of tomorrow’.
“It’s a great competition for the future,” he added with great pragmatism. “It is very important for these young players to be here and pick up some great experience.”
On the other hand, the championship, according to the Japanese coach, is an ideal platform to prepare for the Summer Olympics which they host in 2020.
“We like to think that this is the start of our preparations for the 2020 Olympic Games,” said Hiroshi Honda. “It is a big trigger for this competition.”
Bahrain are in Pool ‘A’ with the US, Puerto Rico, Tunisia and Egypt. Pool ‘B’ comprises defending champions Poland, Brazil, Cuba, Japan and France. Pool ‘C’ includes Argentina, Russia, Chile, South Korea and Turkey and in Pool ‘D’ are Iran, Italy, Mexico, China and Czech Republic.
All are welcome to attend the matches. Entrance fee is 500 fils and tickets can be purchased at the gate.
The top four teams following a round-robin in each pool move on to the next phase.
August 23 will be a rest day and the round of 16 starts on August 24. The quarter-finals follow on August 25, the semi-finals on August 26 and the final on August 27.
There will also be classification games from August 24 to 26 for the bottom-ranked squads.
For more information, visit u19.boys.2017.volleyball.fivb.com.