Iran hosts 38th World Military Volleyball Championship, celebrating peace, friendship, and athletic excellence
TEHRAN (IRI) - The vibrant city of Tehran became the center of international sports diplomacy as it hosted the prestigious 38th WMC Volleyball. From September 18, 2024, athletes, military officials, and volleyball enthusiasts from six nations – Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Iran – gathered for an event that symbolizes camaraderie and the spirit of competition under the CISM banner.
The event kicked off with an elaborate opening ceremony, held at the Iranian National Volleyball Hall, where athletes marched proudly as the CISM flag was raised, accompanied by the national anthems of the participating countries. The significance of this championship for both CISM and the Iranian Armed Forces was highlighted by the attendance of several top-ranking officials, including Major General Ahmad Reza Radan, Commander of the Iranian Police, and the Deputy of Training and Education from the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff.
This championship marks a major milestone for volleyball in CISM, a sport that has seen little promotion in recent years. In his opening speech, Major General Radan emphasized the world's current need for peace, tranquility, friendship, and brotherhood. He praised Iran's role in hosting this important event and stressed the unifying power of sports in transcending political and cultural differences. Brigadier General Jamshid Fooladi, Chief of the Iranian Delegation to CISM, echoed these sentiments, expressing Iran's pride in welcoming the athletes and promoting the values of friendship and cooperation.
Cutting-edge technology elevates the championship
One of the key innovations of this year’s competition is the introduction of the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) video-check system, making its debut in CISM volleyball. This technology, used in top-tier international volleyball competitions, adds precision to match officiating and ensures that every point is accurately recorded. The addition of this cutting-edge technology heightened the intensity and fairness of each match, bringing an extra layer of excitement for athletes and fans alike.
The state-of-the-art Iran Volleyball Federation Hall, which meets the standards for world championships and even the Volleyball Nations League, provided an impressive backdrop for the competition. Equipped with modern facilities and a capacity crowd of passionate fans, the venue played a crucial role in creating an electrifying atmosphere throughout the tournament.
Day 1: a stunning start to the Championship
The opening day of the championship saw Uzbekistan take on Azerbaijan in a thrilling match that set the tone for the days ahead. Uzbekistan dominated with a convincing 3-0 victory, showcasing their skill and determination. The second match of the day featured Iran against India, in which the host nation delivered a stellar performance. In front of an energized home crowd, Iran secured a 3-0 win, much to the delight of their supporters.
The combination of world-class athleticism and the precision brought by the new VAR technology made the first day an unforgettable experience for all involved. The spirit of fair play and mutual respect between the teams was evident, reinforcing CISM’s motto of “Friendship Through Sport.”
Day 2: high energy and unrelenting competition
The second day of the championship continued to thrill fans, as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan faced off in a fiercely contested match. Uzbekistan once again proved their strength, securing another 3-0 victory and earning their spot in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Iran took on Sri Lanka in a high-energy match that had the crowd on their feet. Iran’s team, bolstered by their incredible teamwork and individual talent, defeated Sri Lanka 3-0, advancing to the semi-finals with confidence.
The day’s final two matches saw Azerbaijan square off against Kazakhstan, with Azerbaijan emerging victorious, and India overpowering Sri Lanka in a tightly contested battle. These wins secured the semi-final berths for India and Azerbaijan, setting the stage for an intense showdown between the best teams in the tournament.
Day 3: semi-finals set the stage for a showdown
With the semi-finals underway, the tension in the venue reached new heights. The first match saw India take on Uzbekistan in a closely fought battle. India’s players demonstrated exceptional skill, ultimately securing a hard-fought 3-0 victory to earn their place in the final.
In the second semi-final, Iran faced off against Azerbaijan. The Iranian team, backed by a passionate home crowd, played with determination and precision. In another dominant display, Iran triumphed 3-0, booking their place in the final alongside India.
As anticipation built for the final, the players and fans alike recognized the significance of this championship not just as a competition, but as a symbol of friendship and unity among the participating nations.
Final Day: a thrilling conclusion to the 38th WMC Volleyball
The final day of the event was nothing short of spectacular. The atmosphere inside the Iran Volleyball Federation Hall was electric as the tournament came to its climax. The first match of the day featured the third-place playoff between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. While Azerbaijan put up a spirited fight, Uzbekistan ultimately emerged victorious, securing a well-deserved 3-0 win and claiming the bronze medal.
The grand finale between Iran and India lived up to its billing as a clash of titans. India started strong, narrowly winning the first set 25-23, putting pressure on the Iranian side. However, Iran responded with fierce determination, demonstrating their tactical prowess and resilience. The home team came roaring back to win the next three sets, clinching the match 3-1 and securing the championship title.
The crowd erupted in celebration as Iran claimed first place, while India, though defeated, earned tremendous respect for their performance and took home the silver medal. Uzbekistan’s third-place finish was met with applause, and Kazakhstan was awarded the Fair Play Cup in recognition of their sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
Closing Ceremony: celebrating sportsmanship and unity
The championship concluded with a dignified closing ceremony attended by top military and sports officials. Major General Ali Abdollahi, Deputy Coordinator of the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff, delivered a powerful speech emphasizing the importance of fostering global peace and friendship through sports. He praised CISM for providing a platform that brings nations together, using sports as a means to de-escalate conflicts and strengthen relationships between military forces.
General Jamshid Fooladi, Chief of the Iranian Delegation, expressed his deep gratitude to CISM for entrusting Iran with the honor of hosting the championship. He thanked the organizing committee, the participants, and the volunteers who contributed to the success of the event. Colonel Reza Bagheri, Official CISM Representative (OCR), also highlighted the championship's role in promoting human values, peace, and gratitude, while praising the athletes for their achievements both on and off the court.
In a heartfelt gesture, the top eight players of the tournament were awarded individual trophies in recognition of their outstanding performances. These athletes exemplified the spirit of competition, teamwork, and sportsmanship that CISM strives to promote.
A historic event for CISM Volleyball
The 38th World Military Volleyball Championship will be remembered as a landmark event in the history of military sports. Not only did it showcase the highest level of volleyball talent, but it also served as a reminder of the power of sports to bring people together across borders. Iran’s role as host demonstrated the nation’s commitment to CISM’s ideals of “Friendship Through Sport,” and the championship has left a lasting legacy for both athletes and spectators.
As the tournament came to a close, the participants departed Tehran with memories of an unforgettable event, filled with camaraderie, competition, and the shared goal of strengthening international bonds through sports.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department - Pictures: Iranian Delegation to CISM)
