VOLLEYBALL – Bahrain's volleyball superstar Mohammed Yaqoob is set to make history as the first-ever player from the kingdom to compete in the top men’s professional league in South Korea.
The national team standout has signed a three-month contract with Uijeongbu KB Insurance Stars volleyball club of the Korean V-League, and could be making his on-court debut later this week.
In an exclusive interview with GDN, Yaqoob expressed his delight in earning this fantastic new opportunity, which he hopes will open doors for many other players from across the Gulf.
“It is a great honour to be the first Bahraini to play in South Korea,” Yaqoob, who arrived yesterday in the city of Uijeongbu and joined his new team members, told the GDN through an interpreter.
“Reaching one of the top leagues in Asia is a target that I have been striving for in my career, and this dream coming true means I have achieved something significant in my life.”
The 30-year-old outside hitter made a name for himself with his former clubs Al Nasser and Dar Kulaib, and has also been one of the top talents spearheading the kingdom’s national team in recent years.
In 2022, Yaqoob was named a Best Outside Hitter as he helped the nationals claim the bronze medals in the AVC Cup for Men in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The following year, in the 2023 AVC Challenge Cup for Men, he was again a Best Outside Hitter as Bahrain finished the continental event with the silver medals.
Yaqoob then spearheaded the Bahrainis to their third Arab title in November of last year in the 23rd edition of the regional championship, which was hosted by Bahrain. Along with his gold medal, he took home the Best Scorer award in the tournament.
Yaqoob has now made his move to South Korea following a short stint with leading Saudi Arabian outfit Khaleej Club.
“For me, winning the awards for Best Outside Hitter in the Asian tournaments were my biggest accomplishments as a player, but now, signing in Korea has exceeded this,” Yaqoob said.
The opportunity came about through the work of his agent, Ali Mohammed, who told the GDN that Yaqoob’s current three-month contract has an option of being renewed based on his performances and the team’s results.
Yaqoob is looking to make the most of his time in South Korea, and says that he hopes to inspire up-and-coming young spikers to work hard in pursuing their dreams.
“This is the kind of opportunity that I hope can be a big push for volleyball players in the Gulf,” he said. “I have opened the door for everyone, and this is an iconic example of if you believe in yourself and work hard, then everything is possible.
“Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability, and everything will follow.”
The 2024-25 Korean V-League features eight men’s pro clubs. The Uijeongbu KB Insurance Stars have finished as runners-up once in the past, but have yet to claim the title.
The team’s next match in the competition is scheduled for Thursday at home against Ansan OK Savings Bank OKman. It is still unknown if Yaqoob will be suiting up for that contest.
He is currently one of two foreign players on the squad. The other is Andres Villena Rodriguez from Spain, with Yaqoob reportedly replacing Australian outside hitter Max Staples on the roster.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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