Bahrain’s Abbas relishing experience as youngest player in championship

TDT | Manama                                                             

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain outside hitter Abbas Ehsan is the youngest player competing in the 21st Asian Men’s U20 Volleyball Championship, currently being hosted by the Kingdom. Having just celebrated his 16th birthday on August 13, Abbas is one of five youngsters in the continental competition born in 2006.

There are two others from Bangladesh, another from Kuwait and one more from Pakistan. Abbas is relishing the experience and is making the most of the opportunity to compete against some of Asia’s best. “I am gaining some good experience from this competition; to be able to play with confidence in myself against many very good players, it is a very good feeling to be a part of it,” Abbas said.

The Muharraq Club talent says he is like a sponge, absorbing as many lessons from his teammates and competitors at all times. “I am learning a lot in this tournament ,” Abbas explained. “I see their play, how fast they go, how they prepare for matches—I watch everything and I try to take it all in.” Abbas is hoping for a bright future for Bahrain volleyball and is determined to work hard to continue his rise in the national teams’ ranks.

“I hope that Bahrain can be a top team in Asia and one day play in the biggest tournaments like the world championship,” Abbas said. “For myself, I want to continue to improve as a player and represent my country and my club the best way I can.” Abbas is on the Bahrain team in the championship with his older brother Husain Ehsan, who is the skipper. They are cousins of Bahrain’s former senior men’s national team star Fadhel Abbas.