VOLLEYBALL – BAHRAIN take on Australia today in their opening game of the AVC Volleyball Men’s Continental Championship 2026, which got underway yesterday in Fukuoka, Japan.
The elite senior men’s competition features 12 of Asia’s best in the sport. They are vying not only for the coveted title, but also for the sole direct quota place in the men’s volleyball tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
In addition to this, the competition’s top three will secure berths in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Cup 2027.
The Bahrainis and Australians clash at 4am, Bahrain time, at Kitakyushu City General Gymnasium. They are in Pool A alongside defending champions and hosts Japan and Oman.
The Japanese got their repeat-title bid underway with a 3-1 (25-18, 25-13, 20-25, 25-9) victory over the Omanis in yesterday’s lone divisional clash.
In other results yesterday, Iran defeated New Zealand 3-0 (25-15, 25-12, 25-22) in Pool B while South Korea overcame Chinese Taipei 3-1 (29-27, 19-25, 25-15, 25-15) in Pool C.
Following their game today, Bahrain are back in action tomorrow against the home team at 1.30pm. They then complete their preliminary round campaign against Oman on Wednesday at 4am. Both times are Bahrain.
At the end of a single round-robin, the top two teams from each of the three groups march through to the quarter-finals, where they will be joined by the two best third-placed squads. The elite eight is slated for next Thursday and Friday.
The semi-finals will then be held the following day, setting the stage for the gold and bronze medal games, which will bring the curtain down on the championship on September 13.
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