2006 Men’s World Championship – Thailand
A miracle achieved already (FIVB)
05/19/2005
May 19, 2005 - Afghanistan and Uzbekistan put aside their home turbulence to arrive in Thailand on Thursday, ready for the battle in the World Men's Volleyball Championship first round tournament - Asia Pool B, which will start on Friday at the Ratchaburi Gymnasium.

The group initially hit a snag, with Saudi Arabia withdrawing their team from the three-day competition. They claimed that safety in Thailand was still uncertain and their government also did not support their participation.

However, despite the confirmation from the Volleyball Association of Thailand that safety measures had already been 100 per cent guaranteed for all participating teams, Saudi Arabia remained firm on their decision.

Afghanistan and Uzbekistan also faced unrest at home. In Aghanistan, demonstrators angry over the alleged desecration of the Koran at Guantanamo Bay smashed car and shop windows and stoned a passing convoy of U.S. soldiers Wednesday and police opened fire on the protesters.

In Uzbekistan, thousands of protesters filled Andijan, demanding the president and the government step down. The central government sent troops into the city and the uprising was suppressed.

Despite the unrest, both Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have sent their teams to compete in the Ratchaburi meet, with Uzbekistan arriving in town on May 18 and Afghanistan the following morning.

With both visiting teams already in town, the World Men's Volleyball Championship first round event will open with hosts Thailand on Friday taking on Uzbekistan in the 3,000-seater Ratchaburi Gymnasium in Ratchaburi, about 150km from the capital city Bangkok.

On Saturday, Thailand will go up against Afghanistan and the final day on Sunday will see Afghanistan and Uzbekistan pitted against each other.

All matches start at the same time - 5pm local time.

Only top two teams will be eligible for the second round with the winners in Ratchaburi playing in Group E in Chennai against hosts India, China and Group C's second placed team from June 24 to 26, while the second placed team in Ratchaburi will travel to Teheran, where they will play in Group F against hosts Iran, Australia and Group A's winners from June 22 and 24.
(Released by FIVB)