The Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) Cup, which begins on October 3, will set the ball rolling for 2016-17 as the game’s governing body officially released the calendar for the new season.
National players usually give the low-profile season opener a miss, but this year they will be seen in action as they have been devoid of competitive action since the FIVB World League in June.
Qatar’s last-minute pull-out from the Asian Volleyball Confederation Cup means players now have an extended break. Most of them want to quickly get into their groove and the QVA Cup, which runs till October 10, offers them the best opportunity for that.
El Jaish are the defending champions. They have won three of the four editions held so far, with Al Arabi winning the other.
The QVA Cup will be followed by the one-off Super Cup on October 14 featuring Emir’s Cup champions against Qatar League winners.
Since Arabi won both, they will take on League runners-up Al Rayyan. Arabi are the two-time defending champions of the Super Cup.
The first phase of the Qatar League begins on October 17. Arabi are the holders there as well.
The dates of Qatar Cup and Emir’s Cup will be finalised later.
* Doha Stadium Plus