The Indonesia Men’s Volleyball National Team has officially launched its intensive preparation phase for the upcoming AVC Nations Cup 2026. Under the direct supervision of Brazilian head coach Sergio Veloso, the squad began training at the Jenderal Polisi Kunarto Volleyball Gallery in Sentul on Saturday (23/5).
During the opening week of the training camp, the focus has been squarely on defensive fundamentals. National team player Dawuda Alahimassalam noted that the former Philippines manager has dedicated the first three days to refining the team’s blocking and passing techniques. “Several aspects are being addressed, starting with defensive techniques like blocking, which is currently the primary focus of Coach Sergio for the Indonesia Men’s Volleyball National Team,” Dawuda explained.
While the momentum is building, the current preparation remains limited as only nine players have reported for duty so far. The coaching staff expects the full roster to assemble within the week to begin masterminding the tactical and strategic elements necessary for international competition.
Of the players currently present, Jasen Natanael Kilanta is the lone representative for the setter position. The spiker rotation features Rama Faza Fauzan, Farhan Halim, and Fauzan Nibras. Meanwhile, the quicker positions are currently occupied by Tedi Oka and Putra Bagus Hidayatullah. The libero unit is the only department currently at full capacity, consisting of Irpan and Raihan Rizky Attorif.
To ensure training remains effective despite the short-handed roster, the team has integrated Tim Sokolov, a Russian player from Jakarta Garuda, into their daily practice sessions. This move allows the squad to maintain high-intensity drills as they await the arrival of the remaining national team members, including veteran Nizar Julfikar who has been recalled to the squad.
The AVC Nations Cup 2026 is set to take place in India, with the tournament scheduled to begin on June 20, 2026. Dio Zulfikri and his teammates face a rigorous challenge after being drawn into Pool B, where they will compete against heavyweights such as Qatar, South Korea, Pakistan, Thailand, and Oman.
Summary
The Indonesia Men’s Volleyball National Team has commenced intensive preparations for the AVC Nations Cup 2026 under Brazilian head coach Sergio Veloso, beginning May 23 in Sentul. The initial training phase focuses heavily on defensive fundamentals, with the first three days dedicated to refining blocking and passing techniques. Although only nine players initially reported, the full roster is anticipated to join within the week.
To ensure high-intensity drills continue despite the limited current roster, Russian player Tim Sokolov has been integrated into daily practice sessions. The AVC Nations Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place in India, starting June 20, 2026, where Indonesia will compete in Pool B against strong teams like Qatar, South Korea, Pakistan, Thailand, and Oman.