Iran Men’s Volleyball Premier League 2023-2024

The 37th Iran Men’s Volleyball Premier League 2023-2024 will start on Sunday, October 22

Fourteen teams participated in these competitions, including Eefa Ceram Ardakan, Mes Rafsanjan, Foolad Sirjan Iranian, Pas Gorgan, Gitti Pasand Isfahan, Saipa Tehran, Paykan Tehran, ChadoorMelo Ardakan, Shahdab Yazd, Urmia Municipality, Nian Electronics Mashhad, Horsan Ramsar, Tabiat, and Gonbad Municipality.

In the preliminary round of this competition, participating teams shall engage in a round-robin format, with the top eight teams advancing to the playoffs. The Premier Men’s League playoffs shall consist of three matches, with the first team to win two games being declared the winner.

The Premier League season of 1402 will comprise a group stage spanning 26 weeks, after which the top eight teams will progress to the playoffs. However, the teams ranked 11th to 14th in the preliminary stage table will participate in a playoff to determine the two teams that will be relegated. This playoff promises to be an exciting and memorable event for fans and participating teams.

In the initial round of playoffs for this year’s premier league, the foremost eight teams selected from the preliminary round will engage in head-to-head competition. A team must emerge victorious in two of three matches to progress to the ensuing game. This stage will witness the first-ranked team competing against the eighth-ranked team, the second-ranked team facing the seventh-ranked team, the third-ranked team challenging the sixth-ranked team, and the fourth-ranked team taking on the fifth-ranked team.

During the second stage of the playoffs, the victorious teams of the first stage shall engage in three matches. From these matches, two victorious teams shall proceed to the top four. The finals of this competition shall be conducted in a single game, and no classification match shall be held. Therefore, the two losing teams of the semi-final stage shall jointly settle for third place.

History of the Volleyball Premier League*

In 1975, the inaugural Iranian club volleyball tournament was conducted under “Pasargard Cup.” The game witnessed the participation of twelve teams. The Dokhaniat Tehran team, which the skilled Hassan Kabiri led, claimed the championship.

Mahmoud Chaichi, Aziz Pertovi, Ghasem Tavakoli, Manouchehr Akhstein, Hamid Sheltokchi, Amir Heydari, Vadod Gogani, Nader Pakrou, and Sadeq Amiri were among the players of the Dakhanyat team in this competition.

The inaugural tournament, followed by subsequent games in 1976 and 1977-78, featured twelve and ten teams, respectively. Notably, Esteghlal Tehran emerged victorious in both seasons under the esteemed leadership of Farouk Fakhredini.

Mustafa Zoghi, Ahmed Pourkashian, Mehdi Saberpour, Rasul Awazi, Hassan Shamshiri, Mohsen Nakhai, Ali Tazrooni, Majid Arghi, and Reza Kafaei were among the players of the Esteghlal Tehran team in these two tournaments.

Following the Islamic Revolution and the subsequent attack on Iran by Iraq that led to a war, the country’s premier volleyball league was suspended for twelve years. However, in 1990, the company’s fourth season was resumed with the participation of ten teams. This marked a significant milestone in the history of Iranian volleyball, as the company had been on hold for over a decade, and its resumption was a testament to the country’s resilience and determination to overcome the challenges it had faced. The league’s return was a positive development for the sport, allowing athletes to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. The fourth season of the company was an essential moment for Iranian volleyball, and it remains a significant event in the country’s sport’s history.

In the latest iteration of the competition, the esteemed Shahid Foundation team, led by Mehdi Saberpour and Hossein Pouretmadami, emerged victorious, securing the championship title for the second time in 1991. The team’s success is a testament to their skill, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Since 1990, when these competitions started again after a 12-year hiatus, the Premier League of Volleyball has continued continuously until now. From 1992 to 1995 and 1977 (five periods), these competitions were held with eight teams. The Premier League of 2009 was not completed due to the outbreak of Corona.

In terms of the number of participating teams, the lowest number was in the twelfth period, i.e., 1998, when the competition was held with the presence of seven sections, and the highest number of units was in the 18th period in 2004 when the match was followed with the company of 18 teams.

** Paykan: The proudest team

The Paykan volleyball team has established a notable reputation in Iran’s foremost volleyball league, boasting 12 championships, six runner-up titles, and four bronze medals. Additionally, Paykan has earned the distinction of being the third-ranked volleyball team worldwide and the champion of Asian clubs. In pursuit of further accomplishments, the team endeavors to secure its 13th championship title in 2023, thus ending an eight-year drought.

Paykan’s achievements are a testament to the team’s unwavering dedication, perseverance, and skill in volleyball. With a legacy of success spanning multiple competitions, Paykan has become an exemplar of excellence in competitive sports. The team’s determination to reclaim its winning streak is a testament to its profound commitment to the sport and its desire to continue building a legacy of success.

The province of Mazandaran’s representation in the Premier League of Volleyball has garnered notable success, ranking as the second most accomplished team. The team, consisting of Bank, Beam, Kale, and Haraz Dairy, has secured ten medals in these competitions, including two gold medals, two silver medals, and six third-place titles, contributing to the region’s impressive track record.

This accomplishment is a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and skill, which have propelled them to achieve great heights in the league. Mazandaran’s teams have consistently impressed in the Premier League of Volleyball, and this achievement reinforces the region’s reputation as a powerhouse in this sport.

The Sarmayeh Bank team holds an impressive record of three Premier League titles in their portfolio. In addition, they were crowned Asian champions in 2017. They participated in the World Club Cup, where they achieved a notable seventh-place ranking in the world alongside the representative of Argentina.

Matin Varamin, the official representative of Varamin in 2011, made a prominent debut in the esteemed Premier Volleyball League, securing a silver medal. The following year, he won the Iranian Men’s Volleyball Premier League championship title. In 2017, the Varamin municipality team attained the championship for the second time. Regrettably, it is noteworthy that Varamin must be represented in the Iran Men’s Premier Volleyball League.

The Sirjan Steel team, which returned to the premier league in 2018 after a prolonged hiatus, had clinched the championship title in 1999. In 2021, they represented Iran in the men’s clubs of Asia and emerged as champions, securing a global quota. This achievement is a testament to their exceptional skills and perseverance.

It is noteworthy that the Sirjan Steel team’s successful participation in the men’s clubs of Asia is a remarkable feat, considering the intense competition and the high caliber of teams from other countries. Their victory reflects their unwavering commitment to excellence and ability to overcome challenges.

This triumph is expected to positively impact the team’s reputation and profile, both nationally and internationally. Additionally, it will inspire other teams and athletes to strive for excellence and pursue their goals with dedication and hard work.

Shahdab Yazd, the reigning Men’s Premier League champion, commenced his tenure in the league in 2018. He clinched the championship in 2011 and repeated the feat in his fourth appearance. Mr. Yazd, now in pursuit of his third consecutive title, is looking to secure a hat-trick of championships in 2012.

Several prestigious Men’s Premier League teams have abstained from competing in recent years. Among these teams are Sanam, a four-time championship winner, Esteghlal, Fajrspah, and Shahid Foundation, each with two championship victories, as well as Bank Melli, Abgine Qazvin, and Dakhanyat, each with one championship to their name. Despite their impressive records of achievement, these teams have chosen to refrain from participating in recent competitions.

Saipa is a prominent volleyball club in Iran with a rich history of success. Throughout its presence in the Premier Volleyball League, the team has achieved an impressive record of seven runner-up and two third-place finishes. The club’s consistent performance and competitiveness have earned it a reputation as a formidable opponent in the Iranian volleyball scene. Saipa’s track record of achievement is a testament to its player’s and coaching staff’s skill and dedication, and it continues to be a respected and influential force in the sport.

The representatives of the cities of Urmia and Tabriz have also won honors in the Premier League of Volleyball. Urmia’s representative with three runner-up titles and eight third-place titles, and Tabriz’s representative with one silver medal and four third-place titles are in the following positions.

Saipa and Urmia municipality, despite being in the men’s volleyball premier league for many years, are still longing for the gold medal and championship position of this competition and hope to end their longing in 2023.

** The Premier League of 2022 at a glance

Notably, the 36th round of Iran’s premier men’s club volleyball championships has been scheduled to commence on Wednesday, September 28th. Compared with the prior year, these competitions will begin 28 days earlier, which is anticipated to reduce the intensity of the games to some extent.

It is essential to recognize the significance of this change, as it may considerably impact the participants’ performance. By beginning the competitions earlier, the organizers have provided the players with a more extended period to prepare for the games, potentially enhancing their performance. Furthermore, this alteration may also positively affect the audience’s experience, as the reduced intensity of the games may result in a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

In conclusion, the upcoming 36th round of Iran’s top men’s club volleyball championships is poised to be a significant event. With the competitions beginning earlier than before, this year’s games may provide a unique experience for both the players and the audience.

The men’s premier league in 2022 with the participation of 14 teams: Pas Gorgan, Nian Electronics Khorasan, Saipa Tehran, Ra’hyab metal Marivan, Shahdab Yazd, Horsun Ramsar, Mes Rafsanjan, Folad Sirjan Iranian, Haraz Amol, Eefa Caram Ardakan, Giti Pasand Isfahan, Paykan Tehran Urmia Municipality and Gonbad Municipality started in a preliminary group.

The preliminary round of this competition was followed for 26 weeks from September 28th to February 23rd with 182 matches in the form of a round trip and eight teams: Shahdab Yazd, Eefa Ceram Ardakan, Horsun Ramsar, Pas Gorgan, Haraz Amel, Sirjan Iranian Steel, Paykan Tehran, and Nian Electronics entered the playoffs by winning the first to eighth places in the table.

The quarter-final stage of the Men’s Premier League was followed from the 30th of February to the 16th of March with ten matches, and the teams of Shahdab Yazd, Pas Gorgan, Heraz Amol Dairy, and Paykan Tehran made it to the semi-final stage.

The semi-final stage of this competition was followed on March 10th and 12th with four matches, and the two teams of Shahdab Yazd and Haraz Amol Dairy made it to the final game.

Finally, the 35th round of Iran’s top men’s club’s championship volleyball tournament, which started on Wednesday, the 6th of Mehr, ended on the evening of Tuesday, March 16, after holding 201 matches, with the championship of the Shahdab Yazd resistance team. Haraz Amol Dairy became the runner-up, and Pas Gorgan and Pekan Tehran teams also won the third joint title.

The teams of Horsan Ramsar, Nian Electronics Khorasan, Ifasram Ardakan, Foulad Sirjan Iranian, Geti Pasand Isfahan, Raah Yab Milla Marivan, Mes Rafsanjan, Saipa Tehran, Gonbad Municipality and Urmia Municipality were also placed in the fifth to fourteenth places.

After the end of this tournament, the Information System Committee of the Volleyball Federation announced the names of the best players of the 36th Cup of the Men’s Premier League, and Amir Ghafoor from the Shahdab Yazd team won the title of the most valuable player.

The list of eight members of the dream team of the 35th Cup is as follows:

The most valuable player: Amir Ghafoor (Shohdab Yazd)

The best Middle blockers: Mohammad Fallah (Pikan) – and Masoud Gholami (Shohdab)

The best power forwards: Shahrouz Homayunfarmanesh (Shohdab) – Mojtabi Mirzajanpour (Haraz Dairy)

The best libero: Arman Salehi (pass)

The best Setter: Mehdi Mahdavi (Shohdab)

The best outside hitter: Ayman Esmailnejad (pass)

phenomenon League: Pouria Hossein Khanzadeh (Haraz Dairy)

Ethical player: Mehdi Jaloh (Nian Electronics)