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Pak storms into the final of Asian U16 Volleyball

Pak storms into the final of Asian U16 Volleyball

Express Tribune19-07-2025
Pakistan U-16 volleyball players in action against India in the Asian volleyball semifinal in Thailand on Friday. PHOTO: PVF
The Pakistan U-16 Men's Volleyball Team continued their extraordinary unbeaten run in the 2nd Asian Men's U16 Volleyball Championship 2025 in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand by delivering a stunning performance in the semi-final match against traditional rivals India, winning by 3-0 sets.
The highly anticipated match took place on Friday and saw Team Pakistan dominate with set scores of 25-16, 25-19, and 25-12, securing a comprehensive victory and punching their ticket to the final of the Championship.
The match showcased exceptional skills, discipline, and team coordination. Among the standout performers were Junaid, Faizan, Irfan, and Talha, who led the attack and defense with composure and determination throughout the game.
Pakistan's superior blocking and fast counter-attacks left the Indian team struggling to gain momentum. The result not only highlights Pakistan's potential at the youth level but also secures their position as one of Asia's strongest emerging volleyball nations.
Coach's Remarks
Speaking after the match, Head Coach Kafiyatullah said: "Today's match was not just a win over our arch-rivals India; it was a statement. Our players have shown incredible resilience, maturity, and teamwork throughout the tournament. I am immensely proud of each one of them. Beating India in such a convincing manner in the semi-final is a huge morale boost ahead of the final. We now shift our focus to the Final against Iran, which will be another tough battle, but the boys are ready."
Following semis victory, Pakistan will face a formidable opponent — Iran — on Saturday (today) in the final at 3:30pm Pakistan Standard Time.
The match is expected to be a thrilling contest between two of the strongest teams in the tournament.
Notably, Pakistan has already secured qualification for the FIVB U17 World Championship 2026, a historic milestone for the country's youth volleyball development.
The Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) lauds the team's phenomenal effort, discipline, and growing international stature, and extends gratitude to all the fans, stakeholders, and sponsors supporting the team on this journey.
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