Hangzhou, China, 13 June 2025 – Hosts China surged from the semi-finals on Friday to set up the title match with Iran in the women’s event and Kazakhstan in the men’s event of the 2025 PVAO Sitting Volleyball Zonal Championships.
China women were first to confirm their finals appearance via a 3-0 (25-8, 25-10, 25-23) victory over Japan at the WPV Development Centre in Zhejiang’s capital city.
Iran later defeated Thailand in straight sets, 3-0 (25-17, 25-8, 25-11) to forge the finale face-off with the home team scheduled on Saturday afternoon.
China’s men’s team later survived a 3-1 battle (25-18, 21-25, 25-23, 25-17) against an equally tough Japan’s men team.
After, Kazakhstan gained entry into the finale following a convincing 3-0 win (25-15, 25-15, 25-5) against Thailand.
Earlier, in the men’s semi-finals for 5th-8th place, Korea defeated Saudi Arabia, 3-0 (25-14, 25-11, 25-8), while Mongolia replicated the straight-sets feat over Australia, 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-15).
In the women’s classification, Mongolia completed their campaign as fifth placers, after winning over Australia, 3-0 (25-10, 25-12, 25-11) on Friday morning, then returning to the court in the afternoon with a thrilling 3-2 victory (25-23, 21-25, 18-25, 25-19, 25-10) against Korea.
As China is set to host the 2026 WPV Sitting Volleyball World Championships, they automatically qualify for the quadrennial event and will only need to think of winning the PVAO Zonals honours at home on Saturday.
Iran women and Kazakhstan men, as the highest ranked teams after the hosts, have booked their passes to return to Hangzhou for the 2026 World Championships. This now leaves the bronze medal matches to determine the rightful recipients of the remaining qualification berth.
Follow our coverage from the WPV Development Centre in Hangzhou.
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Livestream for select matches: https://live.hy960.com/live/page/702156163?v=1749369572193
Alternate livestream link: https://pnpcaz.vet.d-zan.net/live/page/702156163?v=1749369572193