Alkass English
Qatar claimed the bronze medal at the 2025 AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup after a commanding 3-0 win over South Korea in the third-place play-off at Isa Bin Rashid Hall in Manama, Bahrain.
Shaking off the disappointment of a surprise semi-final loss to Pakistan, Camilo Soto’s squad delivered a composed and clinical performance. Qatar took control early, winning the first set 25-21 and continuing their momentum with a 25-20 second set. South Korea mounted a late challenge in the third, but Qatar held firm to close out the match 25-23.
Statistically dominant, Qatar scored 35 points through attacks, added 12 points on blocks, and benefited from 26 points via South Korean errors. Wadidi Raimi led the scoring with 13 points, closely followed by Belal Abunabot with 12.
Ranked 23rd in the world and entering as defending champions and top seeds, Qatar had a strong tournament run—defeating Australia in the group stage and Vietnam in the quarter-finals—before being halted by Pakistan in the semis.
Qatar Volleyball Association President Ali Ghanem Al Kuwari was on hand to celebrate with the team and staff after their podium finish.
In the final, hosts Bahrain captured the title with a gritty 3-1 comeback victory over Pakistan. After dropping the first set 25-23, Bahrain roared back with set scores of 25-16, 25-17, and 25-18, cheered on by a fervent home crowd. The win not only secured their first Nations Cup crown but also guaranteed Bahrain a spot in the 2026 Asian Championship.
The 2025 tournament featured 11 teams across four groups. Kazakhstan, originally drawn in Qatar’s group, withdrew before the competition began.