SMM 2nd Asian Men's U23 Volleyball Championship 2017

Malaysia and Thailand were among the thirteen (13) Asian nations who competed  at the 2nd Asian Men's U23 Volleyball Championship. The event was held in Ardabil, Iran from May 1 to May 9. 

Malaysia was grouped in Pool C along with Australia and China while Thailand battled against Japan and Sri Lanka in Pool D. 

In the group preliminary, Malaysia won their first match against Australia. Malaysia won by 3-to-1 sets against the down-under spikers, 22-25, 25-19, 25-17 and 25-22. While they lost to China in three straight sets, 22-25, 19-25 and 19-25.  

Meanwhile, Thailand was not able to win their first match against powerhouse Japan. The game was a five setter. Thailand's fuel at end was not enough to catch the score of the Japanese, 28-30, 25-20, 19-25,25-22 and 8-15. But in their second match against Sri Lanka, the Thais won in four sets, 23-25, 25-21, 25-19 and 25-18. 

Both Malaysia and Thailand secured a quarter final seats but had to play the qualification round for pool's seedings. 

In the qualification round, Thailand won in an another 5-setter match against Chinese Taipei. The scores were 19-25, 22-25, 25-20, 25-18 and 15-12.  Also, Thailand defeated Kazakhstan, 25-22, 25-17, 17-25 and 25-22. 

Malaysia on the other hand was defeated by Iran (23-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-21) and Pakistan (23-25, 25-13, 25-21, 25-21)

In the quarterfinals, Thailand easily defeated Pakistan (25-22, 25-18, 25-17) and advances to semifinals against powerhouse Iran while Malaysia was not victorious against Japan, 25-18, 25-23, 25-23. 

Iran prevailed in the semifinals putting Thailand to play for the 3rd and 4th place positions. Iran defeated Thailand, 25-22, 25-19, 25-20 while Malaysia which was relegated to 5th-to-8th positions suffered another defeat from China, 25-17, 22-25, 12-25 and 27-29.

Malaysia landed 8th place in their battle against Kazakhstan for 7th-8th place position, the scores were 25-22, 11-25, 23-25, 25-20 and 10-15. 

While Thailand placed 4th after losing to Chinese Taipei in the bronze medal match. The scores were 25-19, 21-25, 23-25 and 22-25.  

Iran won the 2nd Asian Men's U23 Volleyball Championship 2017 beating Japan in the championship match.