Until now, Iran has never won the gold medal since the West Asian team made its debut in the tournament in 1979, but China has won three titles in their 15 appearances, in 1979, 1997, and 1999.
“I am satisfied with the way my guys played in the tournament. From now on, we have to concentrate on the FIVB Men’s World Cup because higher quality teams will participate in the competition,” Iranian coach Julio Velasco said.
By winning the Asian championship, Iran booked a ticket to the Men’s World Cup, which will be held in Japan from November 20 to December 4, with the top three teams earning berths for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei congratulated the Iranian volleyball team after they won the Asian volleyball championship. “Thank you all, since you made the Iranian people happy,” he said.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also sent a message to the Iranian team, which won the title for the first time.
The Iranian team defeated Afghanistan, Chinese Taipei, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Japan, South Korea, and China in the competition.
Iran’ Arash Kamalvand was selected as the Most Valuable Player of the competition.
Over the years, only six teams -- Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, Kazakhstan, and Iran -- have won the Asian Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship.
Final Standings
1- Iran
2- China
3- South Korea
4- Australia
5- Japan
6- India
7- Pakistan
8- Sri Lanka
9- Kazakhstan
10- Thailand
11- Indonesia
12- Qatar
13- Chinese Taipei
14- Turkmenistan
15- Afghanistan
16- Uzbekistan
MH/HG