Indian spikers to meet Tunisia; spotlight on Brazilians

The Indian team is lead by 20-year-old Mandeep Singh of Punjab and is coached by MH Kumara.

In another match on Friday, holders Brazil will play against fourth ranked Russia.
The 10-day tournament consists of four rounds, with 64 matches being played in total.

Twenty four matches each will be played in the first and second rounds, with eight matches being played in the semifinal play offs and eight matches in the final round play offs to decide the placing. The 16 teams which have qualified for the event includes Tunisia, USA, Belarus, Iran, Belgium, China, Egypt, Greece, France, Cuba, Argentina, Russia, Brazil, Poland and Canada, besides India.

Meanwhile, International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Events Vice-Director Gabrielle van Zwieten praised the facilities here. “FIVB is impressed by Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex as infrastructure is of the highest quality. Another advantage is the proximity between the halls where the matches are being played. This enables teams to view the competing teams and understand their game,” he added. K Murugan, secretary general of the Volleyball Federation of India said, “The FIVB officials have expressed their happiness and satisfaction at the planning and administration of the world-class infrastructure that we have laid out at the Shri Shiv Chattrapati Sports Complex for 2009 FIVB Men’s U-21 Volleyball World Championship. “Our goal is to elevate the standards of competition, from the selection of the venue to the smallest details of the competition,” Murugan said.

“We are proud to say that our infrastructure and planning is at par with international standards,” he added.