2006 Men’s World Championship – Thailand
A mission against the odds (FIVB)
05/19/2005
Ratchaburi, Thailand, May 19, 2004 – The 2006 Men’s World Championship first round event – Asia Pool B in Thailand, which starts on Friday, is significant for many reasons but none more so than proving once again that Volleyball is a sport that can overcome adversity and unite one and all.

Thailand will play host to Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, three countries for which participating in the 2006 World Championships is already a significant achievement.

With war and civil unrest an unimaginable disruption at home, the players from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan could be called the most professional of all, having been able to arrive in Ratchaburi and play in the world’s premier Volleyball event, while Thailand is still overcoming the devastating effects of the December Tsunami which left more than 5,300 people dead and 2,900 missing.

Afghanistan, has overcome nearly insurmountable odds to play, having had to fly out of Pakistan (due to flight restrictions out of Afghanistan) to arrive one day before the start of play, while Uzbekistan, whose country is in a current state of turmoil, will not be blamed having their minds on friends and family back home.

Now with Volleyball as a release from the conflict and tragedy at home, Thailand, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan can now enjoy the spirit of competing and the true values of sport – enjoyment, team mates and cooperation.

With the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia having already withdrawn from the pool for political reasons, two of the three teams will advance to the second round, so come Sunday there will be players from two teams who will have something a little bit extra to celebrate.
(Released by FIVB)