Hossein Madani will always be missed

TEHRAN – On this day, six years ago, Iran volleyball missed a man who was key to the country’s success in the new era.

Madani inspired Iran to win inaugural edition of Asian Men’s Volleyball Cup in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

Under stewardship of Madani, Iran did a great job in 2008 and beat Asian giants China, Japan and South Korea and it was a turning point for the West Asian country.

Two years later, Iran defended their title at AVC Cup and once again overpowered the Asian great teams.

In the 2010 Asian Games, Iran claimed a silver medal after being defeated by Japan in the final match and it was a valuable medal for the Persians since the rising stars started to believe in their potentials.

As a player, he won one gold, two silver and two bronze medals with Paykan at the Asian Men’s Clubs Volleyball Championships.

Now, Iran are a powerhouse team in the world and owe the success to a man who left us too soon.

Madani died of liver disease at the age of 43 in Tehran’s Laleh Hospital on Aug. 1, 2014.

He will always be remembered by the volleyball fans for what he did for volleyball.