Iran players celebrate with the trophy after beating France in the final.
Doha, Qatar: Iran completed an unbeaten campaign by defeating France 3-1 (25-18, 25-15, 22-25, 25-12) to win their first FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship title in Doha yesterday.
Iran dominated the opening two sets, with setter Akam Ebrahimnezhad effectively distributing the ball among Sina Hazrati, Arash Ashrafi and Azhvan Namazi. Iran also made an impact from the service line, producing 10 aces, including three each from Hazrati and Ashrafi.
France fought back in the third set as Antonin Bonnard, Jaden Ebagne Yon and Enzo Savalli helped them take a 25-22 win and reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Iran, however, quickly regained control in the fourth, turning an 8-4 lead into 16-8 before pulling further clear. Hazrati finished the match with 19 points, while Ashrafi scored 17 and Namazi added 16, including four blocks.
Bonnard was France’s top scorer with 22 points.
“We worked very hard for this title, and winning it is the result of everything the team has put into this tournament,” Hazrati said.
“We prepared very well for France and knew we had to put pressure on them with our serve, block and defense and create opportunities from our digging. I am also very thankful to our fans for the energy they gave us and especially to my family. Without their support, I would not be here, so this championship means a lot to all of us.”
Meanwhile, Brazil secured the bronze medal after overcoming Argentina 3-1 (21-25, 25-17, 25-18, 25-13). Brazil recovered after losing the opening set, with their blocking proving decisive as they produced 14 points at the net.
Lorenzo Jose Trentin led Brazil with 19 points, while Lucas Pereira de Abreu contributed 12, including seven blocks.
