Qatari beach volleyball stars dominate the AVC Tour stop in Doha, securing gold with strong FIVB Empowerment backing.
Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan delighted home fans by winning the men's trophy at the recent AVC Asian Beach Volleyball Tour event in Doha. The tournament concluded this week with federations benefiting from FIVB Volleyball Empowerment support earning five of the six available medals.
The dominant Qatari pair, who are Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medalists, won all six of their games in straight sets to claim the top spot on the podium. Their victory highlights the ongoing success of targeted athletic programs in the region, according to information published by fivb.
This impressive performance on home sand underscores the effectiveness of international coaching investments, as 16 men's teams and 11 women's teams representing eight different countries competed fiercely throughout the event.
Dominance of Qatari Men's Beach Volleyball Pairs
Qatar Volleyball Association's beach volleyball department has received a total of USD 336,000 in FIVB Volleyball Empowerment coach support, alongside USD 23,000 in equipment. The national men's duos currently train under the expert guidance of Argentinean coach Pablo Bernardi.
In the final showdown in Doha, Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan secured a convincing 2-0 victory against Australia's Oliver Merritt and Jed Walker, cementing their status as elite competitors on the continental tour.
Australian Success and Empowerment Funding
Volleyball Australia has been granted a total of USD 546,000 in coach support, which yielded three medals at the tournament. Australian duos Oliver Merritt and Jed Walker finished as runners-up, while Solomon Bushby and Justin Schumann took bronze in the men's competition.
Additionally, Jana Milutinovic and Tara Phillips claimed the women's bronze medal for Australia, demonstrating the broad impact of international development grants across their national beach volleyball programs.
Medals for Japan and Thailand Teams
The women's gold medal went to Thailand's Taravadee Naraphornrapat and Worapeerachayakorn Kongphopsarutawadee, who went through the entire competition unbeaten. They defeated Japan's Asami Shiba and Reika Murakami in the final match.
The Japanese duo, supported by the Japan Volleyball Association which received USD 84,000 in funding and works with American coach Steve Anderson, earned a well-deserved silver medal after strong performances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the men's tournament at the AVC Tour stop in Doha?
Qatari stars Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan won the men's tournament, dominating all six of their games in straight sets to claim gold.
Which federations benefited from FIVB Volleyball Empowerment support?
Teams representing federations from Qatar, Australia, and Japan earned five of the six total medals at the event thanks to ongoing program funding.
Who secured the women's gold medal in Doha?
Thailand's Taravadee Naraphornrapat and Worapeerachayakorn Kongphopsarutawadee captured the women's gold medal by going through the competition unbeaten.
