Bahrain to host FIVB U21 championship

Manama : Bahrain are putting together a bid to host the FIVB Men’s U21 World Championship in 2019, according to Bahrain Volleyball Association (BVA) Vice-President Jehad Khalfan, who is also the Organising Committee Director General of the ongoing 2017 FIVB Boys’ U19 World Championship being played here in Bahrain.

Khalfan said hosting such competitions is part of the BVA’s strategy to help boost the level of volleyball amongst the kingdom’s up-and coming young players.

“When we thought of organising this under-19 championship, it was a part of our strategy at the BVA Board to help raise the level of our young teams so that they can compete with the top international teams from around the world,” Khalfan said.

“Next year, we have already won the rights to host the Asian U20 Championship here in Bahrain for this same team that is playing right now in the under-19 tournament.”

“Then, we are also bidding for the FIVB U21 World Championship in 2019 and are expecting to get a good report from the FIVB for hosting the under-19 competition. We hope that this can raise our chances higher than before to host the under-21 tournament, ” Khalfan added.

Bahrain has already hosted the FIVB Men’s U21 World Championship twice in the past – first in 1987 and then again, 10 years later, in 1997.