(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Türkiye Stuns Japan with 3-0 Victory at 2025 Men’s Volleyball World Championship
Quezon City, Philippines – September 13, 2025 – In one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far, Türkiye defeated Japan 3-0 in their opening match of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
Ranked 16th in the world, Türkiye pulled off a straight-sets win (25-19, 25-23, 25-19) against the world’s No. 5 team, marking their first victory over Japan since 2016.
Efe Mandiraci Shines with Five Aces
Outside hitter Efe Mandiraci was the standout performer for Türkiye, delivering five aces, two blocks, and a match-high 17 points. His powerful serve brought his team to match point in the third set, sealing an unforgettable performance.
Star opposite Adis Lagumdzija added 15 points, including three blocks, an ace, and the match-winning spike. Speaking after the win, Lagumdzija said:
“To beat Japan 3-0 in front of their fans is a huge accomplishment for us. When we serve and receive like today, we believe we can beat any team. Our goal is to top the group.”
Match Stats: Türkiye vs Japan
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Aces: Türkiye 7 – 1 Japan
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Blocks: Türkiye 8 – 6 Japan
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Spike Kills: Türkiye 37 – 33 Japan
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Errors: Türkiye 21 – 23 Japan
Japan’s Struggles
Despite the home crowd advantage, Japan struggled to match Türkiye’s intensity. Kento Miyaura led his side with 13 points, while captain Yuki Ishikawa contributed 10 points, all from attacks.
What’s Next in Pool G
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Türkiye vs. Libya – September 15
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Japan vs. Canada – September 15
With this stunning upset, Türkiye has positioned itself as a serious contender in Pool G, while Japan will look to bounce back quickly to keep their knockout hopes alive.
