TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN — Australia and China emerged victorious at the 2026 Asian U18 Beach Volleyball Championships after thrilling gold medal performances in the men’s and women’s divisions on Sunday, also securing qualification to the FIVB U18 Beach Volleyball World Championships set for July 8–12, 2026 in The Hague, Netherlands.
In the women’s tournament, China’s QI S.Y./ZHUANG Ming captured the continental title after defeating Australia’s Gaborit/Grocott in a tightly contested three-set final, 21-15, 20-22, 15-8. Kazakhstan’s Galash/Kozhakhmet claimed the bronze medal with a straight-sets victory over Japan’s Imai/Sano, 21-14, 21-15.
The women’s final rankings saw China finish as champions, followed by Australia and Kazakhstan, with Japan placing fourth. All four teams earned direct qualification to the main draw of the FIVB U18 Beach Volleyball World Championships. Thailand also secured a main draw berth after winning the qualification playoff.
On the men’s side, Australia’s Edgar/Turner delivered a dominant performance in the gold medal match, defeating Kazakhstan’s Sagynysh/Agabek in straight sets, 21-16, 21-13, to secure the Asian U18 title. Qatar’s M.ALKEER/MUBARAK earned bronze after overcoming fellow Australian pair Mowen/Symes, 21-19, 24-22.
Australia, Kazakhstan, and Qatar all qualified directly to the main draw of the FIVB U18 Beach Volleyball World Championships, alongside Thailand. Iran later secured the final main draw qualification spot through the playoff round.
The championships showcased the rising level of youth beach volleyball across Asia, with teams from across the continent competing for both continental honors and coveted qualification spots to the world stage.
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