TEHRAN – Iran opposite Amir Ghafour believes that they could surprise the teams at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, however to reach the podium is an uphill task for the debutant.

Raul Lozano’s team has been drawn along with Poland, Russia, Argentina, Cuba, and Egypt in Pool B.
Pool A consists of host Brazil, Italy, the United States, Canada, France, and Mexico.
“With about two weeks until the Olympic Games, we are training pretty well to prepare for the competition. There is a difficult task ahead of us but we are determined to advance to the next stage,” Ghafour said.
Asked him if there is any chance for the Iranian team to reach the podium, the 25-year-old player said, “It’s too soon to talk about that. Logically, to book a place in the next stage is our main goal.”
Ghafour missed the FIVB Volleyball World League due to foot injury.   
“I am not fully prepared yet but I will be completely ready at the Olympics. I think Iran could surprise the teams at the Olympics. We will play for our pride,” he concluded.
The volleyball tournaments at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro will be played between 6 and 21 August.
MH