Tag: Iran Volleyball Team

Saber Kazemi , rest in peace

From Tehran comes devastating and deeply saddening news. Saber Kazemi, a beloved national volleyball player, rising sports star, and above all, a kind and honest young man, has tragically passed away.

Kazemi, only 26 years old, suffered a heart attack in Qatar, where he was a member of Al Rayyan SC, the team he had joined for this season. Despite all medical efforts, his condition worsened, and he was declared brain dead after sustaining severe brain damage.

The Iranian Volleyball Federation confirmed the heartbreaking news, describing it as an “unbearable loss” for the country and the entire volleyball world. Kazemi was a key figure in the new generation of Iranian volleyball, a powerful and skilled opposite spiker whose talent was recognized internationally. His career was marked by significant contributions to both club and country. He honed his skills with prominent Iranian clubs like Shahrdari Urmia and Paykan Tehran, where his powerful attacks and formidable presence at the net made him a fan favorite and a respected opponent.

His prowess on the court was a testament to his dedication and hard work, qualities that made him a role model for aspiring athletes across Iran and beyond. Saber Kazemi was more than just an athlete — he was a symbol of hope, determination, and humility. His bright smile and warm spirit touched everyone who knew him. On the court, he gave everything for his team; off the court, he was admired for his honesty, kindness, and respect for others.

The outpouring of grief from teammates, rivals, and fans across the globe is a testament to the profound impact he had in his short life. Social media has been flooded with tributes remembering not only the athlete but the gentle soul behind the jersey.

Our hearts go out to his family, teammates, and loved ones during this time of unimaginable grief. The world of volleyball has lost a shining star, and those who knew him have lost a cherished friend.

Rest in peace, Saber. Your light, your kindness, and your indomitable spirit will live on in every heart you touched and in every echo of the game you loved so much. Your moments of glory that you have provided for the volleyball fans will forever remain in our memories. Farewell, young man.

Prayers and hope for Omid Team!

With the 2-1 loss against South Korea, Iran’s Omid team chances of qualifying for the next round of the AFC U23 Championship 2020 looks difficult, if not improbable. Iran’s U23 team still has a chance on paper.

Omid Team started with a draw against Uzbekistan, while South Korea defeated China 1-0. In the second matchday, Uzbekistan’s 2-0 win over China, not only eliminated the Chinese from the competition but also made them strong favorites to qualify needing only a draw in the final group match against the already qualified Koreans on Wednesday.

On the final group matchday, Omid team will play China and the only results that count is a comprehensive win. While South Korea will most probably field an under-strength team for their final group match, Uzbekistan will most probably achieve qualification with a draw against the Koreans.

The only scenario where Omid team will stand a chance is if  Uzbekistan loses against Korea and Omid team beats China by at least 2 goals or more.

Reza Shekari against South Korea

While football is a sport that is no stranger to surprises and sometimes the most unexpected results can occur, Omid team is counting on one such chance comes Wednesday. Winners like South Korea who are synonymous with success due to their hard work, progress, and planning, do not need to worry about such possibilities. Unlike the Iranian team which is now counting on hope and prayers, the Koreans even win matches while not at their best.

The big difference between football in Iran and Korea or Japan is one of strict discipline, planning, free from politics and lobbying, selection of most suitable coaches on merit and providing the infrastructure. The Football federations of these countries study the requirements for their teams, plan ahead, support and most importantly select the right players and coaches using the strait-laced methodology in the process. No issues or complexes of the Estghlal-Persepolis axis out there.

Omid Team has changed three coaches in a year, while the current one Hamid Estili is not really a functioning regular coach and hence clearly out of touch with modern coaching and match practice. In another word, he was an emergency coach. His last assignment was the Administrative Manager of this very same Omid Team before he was appointed under mysterious circumstances as the head coach replacing Farhad Majidi.

So, due to the perennial lack of insight, non-existent long-term planning, lack of vision, and extremely poor quality management, the passionate Iranian fans have to resort to prayers to experience the success of this team  hoping for a comprehensive win in order to make it to the next round and stand a chance of qualifying for Tokyo Olympics 2020

Iran’s Volleyball and Basketball teams have already qualified for Tokyo Olympics and made the nation proud in days that there are very few things to make an Iranian happy, will Omid complete the hat-trick?

We will continue hoping and praying.