Why it matters:
This victory marks Iran’s first gold medal in the Asian Youth Games volleyball competition, following a silver finish at the continental championship earlier this year. The team’s undefeated run underscores the country’s growing strength in youth volleyball across Asia.
The big picture:
Iran defeated Pakistan 3–0 in the final, with set scores of 25–21, 25–23, and 25–23, securing its seventh consecutive win in the tournament. Along the way, the team overcame China, Qatar, Thailand (twice), Indonesia, and Mongolia. The event marked volleyball’s debut at the Asian Youth Games, with 12 teams competing in each gender category.
Who’s on the team:
The Iranian squad showcased standout talents such as Shantia Behnejad, Amir Naderi, Mohammadamin Rahimi, and Amir Mohammad Rafiei Rad. The team was guided by head coach Adel Gholami, supported by assistant coaches Farhad Ghaemi and Fazel Shirkavand, with Mehdi Eslami serving as team manager.
Go deeper:
Iran Defeats U.S. to Reach Volleyball World Championship Finals
Hossein Amiri - seyed mohammad kazemi
