WANA (Jul 18) – The Iranian Boys’ Under-18 Volleyball Team has captured the Asian championship title, defeating rivals Japan 3-1 in a thrilling final on Saturday, July 18.

 

The 2026 Asian Men’s U18 Volleyball Championship concluded today in Haikou, China, with Iran standing at the apex of Asian volleyball.

 

After dropping the opening set 23-25 to a formidable Japanese side, head coach Abdelreza Alizadeh’s squad staged a spectacular comeback, taking the next three consecutive sets 25-22, 25-17, and 25-22.

 

The victory secures Iran’s eighth title in this age category after a 12-year hiatus. With a historic tally of eight golds, three silvers, and one bronze across 13 tournament appearances, Iran firmly solidifies its status as the most decorated nation in the championship’s history. Japan trails far behind in second place with three gold medals.

 

This U18 trophy marks the eighth international medal for Iranian volleyball within the current year, averaging an impressive one medal every 15 days over the last four months.

 

This remarkable run includes silver at the 2026 Asian Beach Games, silver at the Asian Men’s Club Championship, gold at the Central Asian Women’s Championship, and multiple podium finishes in Asian beach volleyball tours, reinforcing volleyball’s status as Iran’s most successful team sport.