Bahrain beat Pakistan to win inaugural AVC Volleyball Nations Cup

Bahrain won the inaugural AVC Volleyball Nations Cup by defeating Pakistan 3-1 in a hard-fought final held under the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) in Bahrain. The victory earned Bahrain the gold medal, while Pakistan settled for silver.

The host nation, ranked 54th globally, overcame Pakistan, ranked 43rd, in the final. Pakistan started strongly, winning the first set 25-23, but Bahrain quickly regrouped and dominated the next three sets 25-16, 25-17, and 25-18 to seal the match.

Earlier, Pakistan had defeated 23rd-ranked Qatar 3-0 in the semifinals, while Bahrain secured their final spot by edging out 25th-ranked South Korea 3-2 in a thrilling contest.

According to AVC regulations, Bahrain, as champions, have qualified for the Asian Volleyball Championship 2026.

Security concerns arose when missile attacks on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar prompted considerations to postpone the final.

However, reassurances from the host government and the volleyball federation ensured the match proceeded as scheduled.

Nonetheless, Bahrain’s closure of its airspace has delayed the return of participating teams to their countries.

Meanwhile, Qatar secured third place by defeating South Korea 3-0.

Australia finished fifth, followed by Indonesia in sixth, Chinese Taipei seventh, Vietnam eighth, Thailand ninth, and New Zealand tenth.

Previously held as the AVC Challenge Cup, last year’s final saw Qatar claim the title after defeating Pakistan.