HH Shaikh Nasser: FIVB U21 World Championship to reinforce Bahrain’s position on global sporting map

Manama, July 14 (BNA): His Majesty the King’s Charity Works and Youth Affairs Representative and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Chairman, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa,stressed the importance of hosting international sports tournaments in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This is in order to strengthen the country’s position on the global sporting map and to highlight its capabilities of being amongst the elite organisers of such world-class events, he said. HH Shaikh Nasser was speaking as Bahrain gets set to host the FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship 2019 from Thursday, July 18, 2019. HH Shaikh Nasser said that Bahrain’s staging of the world championship is an embodiment of the directives and care given by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with the unparalleled support of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. Shaikh Nasser added that this year’s event continues on the success of the past two years, when Bahrain hosted the FIVB Volleyball Boys' U19 World Championship in 2017 and then the Asian Men's U20 Volleyball Championship last year. Shaikh Nasser also praised the efforts of the Bahrain Volleyball Association and the tournament’s organising committee for all the work they have put in for the competition. Shaikh Nasser pointed out that he looks forward to seeing all the 16 national teams in action in the tournament, which he expects to be played at the highest level of volleyball. He wished all the participating teams the utmost success. Tournament action is scheduled to begin from 11.30am on Thursday. Eight matches are scheduled each day for the first round. Preparations are already complete at the two arenas allocated for the tournament venue at Shaikh Isa Sports City in Riffa. The participating teams are set to begin arriving in Bahrain, starting with the under-21 national teams of Iran and Canada. A majority of the other squads will be reaching the country on Tuesday, including Brazil, China, Cuba, Egypt, Italy, South Korea, Morocco, Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia and Tunisia, while Argentina and the Czech Republic will be arriving on Wednesday. Hosts Bahrain continued their practices for the event. They have been working under head coach Yousuf Khalifa to be best prepared for their upcoming contests. For the tournament’s first round, Bahrain are in Pool A along with China, Morocco and Puerto Rico. Pool B is composed of Cuba, Argentina, Egypt and South Korea. Pool C includes Russia, Iran, the Czech Republic and Tunisia. Pool D consists of Italy, Canada, Brazil and Poland, who are the defending champions. Meanwhile, the tournament’s organising committee have also assigned five practice halls for the participating teams. These are at various Bahrain clubs, including Al Ahli Club, A’ali Cultural and Sports Club, Isa Town Club and two halls at Al Shabab Club. All facilities will be available at these locations for the participating teams. Volunteers will be on hand to assist the squads during their practices. The FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship 2019 is the 20th edition of the prestigious competition. Bahrain is hosting the event for the third time, having previously staged it in 1987 and 1997.