The Indonesian Men’s National Volleyball Team has officially kicked off its intensive preparations for the upcoming AVC Nations Cup 2026. Training sessions have been underway since Saturday, May 23, at the Jenderal Polisi Kunarto Volleyball Training Center in Sentul, under the direct guidance of the newly appointed Brazilian head coach, Sergio Veloso.
National team player Dawuda Alahimassalam revealed that the initial week of training under Veloso—the former manager of the Philippine national team—has been heavily focused on defensive fundamentals. During the first three days, the coaching staff prioritized refining blocking and passing techniques to solidify the team’s back-row stability.
“Several areas are being addressed, starting with defensive techniques like blocking, which is a major focus for Coach Sergio with the Indonesian squad,” Dawuda explained.
As of now, the training camp is still gaining momentum, with only nine players having reported for duty. The coaching staff expects the full roster to be assembled within the week to begin more advanced tactical and strategic drills.
The current lineup in Sentul includes setter Jasen Natanael Kilanta, while the offensive power is provided by spikers Farhan Halim, Rama Faza Fauzan, and Fauzan Nibras. The middle blocker positions are currently occupied by Tedi Oka and Putra Bagus Hidayatullah, and the libero unit is already at full strength with Irpan and Raihan Rizky Attorif. In a further boost to the squad’s depth, veteran Nizar Julfikar has also been recalled to join the national training center.
To ensure high-quality practice sessions despite the incomplete roster, the team has included Tim Sokolov, a Russian foreign player from Jakarta Garuda, in their daily drills. His participation allows the squad to conduct more effective game simulations.
The Garuda squad is scheduled to compete in the AVC Nations Cup 2026 in India, starting on June 20, 2026. Dio Zulfikri and his teammates face a challenging road ahead, as they are drawn into Pool B alongside formidable opponents including Qatar, South Korea, Pakistan, Thailand, and Oman.
Summary
The Indonesian Men’s National Volleyball Team has commenced intensive preparations for the AVC Nations Cup 2026. Training is being conducted at the Jenderal Polisi Kunarto Volleyball Training Center in Sentul, led by new head coach Sergio Veloso. The initial focus has been on improving defensive techniques, specifically blocking and passing, to enhance back-row stability.
Currently, nine players are participating, with the full squad expected to assemble soon for tactical drills. The team includes players like Jasen Natanael Kilanta (setter), Farhan Halim and Fauzan Nibras (spikers), Tedi Oka and Putra Bagus Hidayatullah (middle blockers), and Irpan and Raihan Rizky Attorif (liberos), with Nizar Julfikar also recalled. A Russian foreign player, Tim Sokolov, is assisting with drills due to the incomplete roster. The team will compete in the AVC Nations Cup 2026 in India starting June 20, 2026, and is in Pool B with Qatar, South Korea, Pakistan, Thailand, and Oman.