VOLLEYBALL – PERFECT Dar Kulaib wrapped up their undefeated, championship-winning campaign last night in the 2025-26 Isa bin Rashid Bahrain Volleyball League with a resounding 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-20) sweep of Al Dair at Isa bin Rashid Volleyball Arena in Isa Sports City, Riffa.
Dar Kulaib headed into the contest having already secured the coveted title this season, with yesterday’s fixture being a mere formality ahead of the official prize-giving ceremony, which was held later last night.
The title winners did not disappoint their loyal fans who packed the venue, as their star players set the tone early, paving the way for the rest of their squad to finish off their opponents in straight sets – making for a fitting ending to an incredible 26-match unbeaten run.
Dar Kulaib, coached by Ivan Joksimovic from Montenegro, captured the crown for the fifth time in league history – adding to their title triumphs in 2024, 2023, 2018, and 2016.
In attendance last night and presenting the trophies and medals to this season’s top three were Bahrain Volleyball Association (BVA) president Shaikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and other BVA officials.
Dar Kulaib veterans Mahmoud Abdulwahed and Ali Marhoon received the champions’ shield from Shaikh Ali during the awarding ceremony.
Making their mark for Dar Kulaib in the opening set-and-a-half against Dair were Kenyan professional Enock Mogeni, along with their top Bahraini players Hasan Al Warqaa, Ali Habib, Ali Mohammed Abdulnabi, and Abdulwahed.
Their teammates then brought them home, including Abbas Abdulla, Hasan Alaiwi, Hassan Abbas, and Marhoon, among others.
With the result, Dar Kulaib completed their league campaign with 76 points atop the standings.
Also last night on the concluding day of action, Muharraq secured the overall runner-up spot for 2025-26 after edging past Al Ahli 3-2 (25-18, 23-25, 25-20, 25-27, 15-11).
Last season’s league champions overcame a heated challenge from their bitter rivals as they split the first four sets, setting the stage for the thrilling tie-break. There, Muharraq did enough to come away with their 24th win from 26 matches as they rose to 70 points on the standings. Ahli ended the year on 69 markers with 22 victories in third place.
With the Isa bin Rashid Bahrain Volleyball League complete, the focus this 2025-26 season now shifts to the His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s Cup.
The prestigious tournament will feature all 14 of the kingdom’s volleyball clubs in single-elimination play, with Dar Kulaib and Muharraq having direct berths in the quarter-finals as the league’s top two teams.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))