Akbari returns to lead Paykan volleyball team
Peyman Akbari has once again taken over as head coach of the Paykan men’s volleyball team, succeeding Mohammadreza Tondravan ahead of the upcoming Iranian Super League season.
The most decorated team in the history of the Asian Club Championship with eight titles, Paykan confirmed Akbari’s appointment as part of its long-term vision to restore its glory days in Iran’s top-flight volleyball.
The former Iranian international outside hitter and team captain returns to a club where he previously achieved legendary status both on the court and on the bench.
Akbari is no stranger to success with Paykan. During his previous stints with the club – as both player and coach – he secured two Iranian Super League championships, multiple runner-up finishes, two Asian Club Championships titles, as well as third- and fourth-place finishes at the FIVB Club World Championship. He also brings experience from serving on Iran’s national team coaching staff in recent years.
Akbari was also in charge when the Iranian national team completed a clean sweep of six victories – including a 3-1 win against Türkiye in the final – to claim the men’s gold medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh last November.