With crucial backing from the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program, Morocco achieved a commendable feat at the recent Arab Beach Volleyball Championships held in Batroun, Lebanon, securing two prestigious medals. The dynamic duo of Mahassine Siad and Imane Yakki dominated the women`s tournament, earning the gold medal. The silver in the women`s category went to Lebanon`s Lara Al Nahi & Cheikho Mirna, while Algeria`s Melissa Soualmi & Hassaine Ikram claimed the bronze. In the men`s competition, Soufiane El Gharouti and Anass Saber proudly brought home a silver medal, finishing second only to Algeria’s Kallouche Mohamed-Islem & Souadi Mohamed. The bronze medal for the men`s event was secured by Qatar’s Saifeddine Binaziz Elmajid & Assam Ahmed Mahmoud.
FIVB Empowerment Program`s Impact
The success of the Moroccan teams was significantly bolstered by strategic investments. The Federation Royale Marocaine de Volley-Ball (Royal Moroccan Volleyball Federation) received a substantial allocation of USD 42,000 dedicated to coach support for their national beach volleyball teams. This program operates under the expert guidance and supervision of Italian specialist Ezio Goia. Beyond coaching, the development of Moroccan beach volleyball further benefited from an additional USD 18,000 invested in specialized knowledge transfer programs and USD 11,500 provided for essential beach volleyball equipment.
Women`s Tournament: A Golden Performance
Morocco`s Mahassine & Yakki showcased an unblemished record in Batroun, winning all six of their matches in straight sets to emphatically claim the women`s Arab title. Their path to gold included a decisive 2-0 (21-19, 21-16) victory over the eighth-seeded Algerian pair, Melissa & Ikram, in the semifinals. The gold medal match saw the Moroccan pair demonstrate superior skill, securing a 2-0 (21-13, 21-16) triumph against Lebanon`s fourth-seeded Lara & Cheikho.
Earlier in the tournament, an intriguing all-Lebanese semifinal witnessed Lara & Cheikho cause an upset, defeating the second-seeded Mira Adra & Lea El Chabib 2-0 (21-7, 21-13). In the battle for the bronze medal, Melissa & Ikram of Algeria emerged victorious, overcoming Mira & Lea with a 2-0 (21-12, 21-18) score.
Men`s Tournament: A Silver Finish
In the men’s competition, Morocco’s El Gharouti & Saber delivered a strong performance, finishing as runners-up in Pool B with an impressive 4-1 win-loss record. The 10th-seeded Moroccan duo cemented their place among the top finalists by achieving a decisive 2-0 (21-14, 21-15) victory against Lebanon’s second-seeded Paul Bou Akl & Charbel Khoueiry.
The men`s gold medal was ultimately secured by the sixth-seeded Algerian team, Kallouche & Souadi. Despite concluding Pool B in third place, they displayed remarkable tenacity by winning all three of their playoff matches. This incredible run included a hard-fought 2-1 (27-25, 19-21, 15-13) semifinal triumph against the third-seeded Qatari duo, Saifeddine & Assam, culminating in a conclusive 2-0 (21-15, 21-14) victory in the final against Morocco`s El Gharouti & Saber.
Qatar`s Saifeddine & Assam secured the bronze medal after a thrilling three-set comeback victory 2-1 (21-23, 21-19, 15-6) against Paul & Charbel.
Participating Nations and Scope
The Arab Beach Volleyball Championships in Batroun was a vibrant showcase of regional talent, bringing together a total of eight women’s and twelve men’s pairs. These teams represented seven nations: Algeria, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, and Qatar, highlighting the growing presence and enthusiasm for beach volleyball across the Arab world.
Finley Blackwood 
Jasper Thornfield