TEHRAN - Dr. Mahmoud Afshardoust, member of Iran’s volleyball federation executive board, believes that 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) will be tough competition, however, Iran team are capable of getting good results in the first week to be held in Brazil.

Team Melli, led by Mauricio Motta Paes, will face Serbia in their opening match, slated for May 22. Iran will then meet Italy, Cuba and Argentina, respectively.

“The 2024 VNL is very important because it also serves as Olympics qualification. On the other hand, the qualified teams consider the competition as warm-up games for the Olympics,” Afshardoust said.

“Iran have very difficult matches in the first week because they have to meet Serbia, Italy, Cuba and Argentina. They are the teams that are higher than us in the volleyball rankings and they also try to book their place at the Olympics. Team Melli should fight with them and collect points for the second week. And the third can make it to the Olympics. I hope that the team will advance to the Olympics but to move up in the ranking is important as well,” he added.

“In every tournament the first game is the most important game and it means we have to defeat Serbia but, as you know, their coach is familiar with our team and knows our team very well and it makes our job difficult. However, our players also know Serbian players and they can take advantage of this,” the former coach of Iran volleyball team stated.

“Italy, who have won the title in the 2022 FIVB Volleyball World Championship, have not yet qualified for the Olympics. Now, they are determined to book their place in the Games. Cuba are an energetic team that play very explosive and will be a tough opponents for our team but I think we can defeat them. And our last rivals Argentina, the 2020 Olympic Games’ bronze medalist, are a team to beat but I believe in our team,” he added.

“I hope Mr. Paes can lead our players in the best possible way regarding that he has had short time to know his players. Of course, his assistants can definitely play a decisive role so that, God willing, the team will get good results in the first week,” Afshardoust concluded.