SHANGLUO, China — The International School Sport Federation (ISF) 2025 U15 World School Volleyball Championship concluded this weekend in Shangluo, with Iran’s boys’ squad successfully defending their world title and the host nation, China, claiming victory in the girls’ division.
The 10-day tournament, running from December 4 to 13, served as a major global stage for student-athletes, drawing 33 teams from 18 countries and regions, including distinct delegations from Quebec and Macao.
The highlight of the boys’ bracket was the gold medal match on Friday evening, December 12, featuring defending champions Iran against a resilient squad from Chinese Taipei.
Led by head coach Arash Sadeghiani, the Iranian team arrived at the final undefeated, having swept through dominant victories against Nigeria, China (Team 2), Saudi Arabia, China (Team 1), and India. However, the pressure of expectations appeared to weigh on the young athletes early in the championship match.
Panic set in during the opening moments, leading Iran to drop the first set unexpectedly. However, a strategic intervention by Coach Sadeghiani helped settle the team’s nerves. The squad rallied to take the next three sets, defeating Chinese Taipei 3-1 to secure their second consecutive U15 World Championship title.
Chinese Taipei took home the silver medal, while India and Brazil finished third and fourth, respectively.
In the girls’ competition, the host nation capitalized on their home-court advantage. China clinched the gold medal, with Chinese Taipei taking silver and Thailand earning the bronze. Brazil finished just off the podium in fourth place.
The Iranian girls’ team, coached by Ms. Akram Ghahramani, finished the tournament in sixth place. despite a strong showing throughout the week. The team played seven matches, securing five wins against India, Uganda, Bulgaria, Chile, and a second Indian squad. Their two losses came against tournament powerhouses Brazil and the eventual champions, China.
Beyond the scores, the championship highlighted the ISF’s commitment to combining elite competition with educational values. The event featured cultural exchange programs designed to promote fair play, healthy lifestyles, and respect among the diverse roster of participants.
Notable participation included delegations from Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Croatia, and Qatar. The officiating corps also featured international representation, including Iranian referees Ms. Shima Hougogizadeh and Davoud Nafei, who were selected to oversee matches during the tournament.
Final Standings – Boys:
Iran
Chinese Taipei
India
Brazil
Final Standings – Girls:
China
Chinese Taipei
Thailand
Brazil