Netherlands 2018: Iran take seventh men’s title

Paralympic champions Iran confirmed their dominance on the sitting volleyball stage by reclaiming the men’s World Championships title on Sunday (22 July) in the Netherlands.

In the final, they convincingly defeated defending champions Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0 (25-18, 25-13, 25-20) to return to the throne after eight years.

Playing in front of a boisterous full-house crowd, Iran, with Morteza Mehrzadselakjani at his dominant best, were too good for their opponents. Both finalists secured qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Iran previously won the editions in 1985, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2010. This is also the sixth time that they have held the world and Paralympic titles at the same time.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the other hand, collected their sixth World Championships medal – three golds, two silvers and one bronze – from six appearances.

Earlier in the day, Brazil beat Ukraine 3-0 (28-26, 25-23, 27-25) to secure bronze, their second Worlds medal following their silver medal-performance in 2014.

European champions Russia* achieved a 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-13) victory over Egypt to end fifth, while China defeated USA 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-21) to finish in seventh place.

Full results and more information can be found on World ParaVolley’s website.

*Editor's note: The International Paralympic Committee suspended the Russian Paralympic Committee on 7 August 2016 for its inability to fulfil its IPC membership responsibilities and obligations, in particular its obligation to comply with the IPC Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code (to which it is also a signatory). As a result of the suspension, Russian athletes cannot enter IPC sanctioned events or competitions, including the Paralympic Games.