Pakistan clinch maiden U‑16 Asian Volleyball crown
The Green Shirts concluded a flawless eight-day campaign by toppling defending champions Iran 3-2 in a thrilling final on July 19.
Pakistan opened with emphatic straight‑set wins over South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Chinese Taipei, exiting the first stage unbeaten.
They maintained momentum with successive wins, including a high-drama 3-1 victory over Iran in Pool F, where veteran coach Faizanullah and Muhammad Junaid spearheaded the attack.
In the semifinal, the team powered past traditional rival India 3-0, with powerful offense and solid blocking, securing a finals berth and World U‑17 qualification.
Meanwhile, Iran stormed to a 2–0 lead in the final (22‑25, 21‑25), but the resilient Pakistanis fought back to win the next three sets 30‑28, 25‑21 and 15‑10. Muhammad Junaid led scoring with 28 points, supported by Faizan (22), Talha (9) and Irfan (8).
Coach's reflects on team preparation
Head coach Kifayatullah, a former volleybal gold‑medalist at the 1989 South Asian Games, lauded his team's dedication:
'This win is a result of so many sacrifices… We began camp in Attock and Islamabad, with limited resources but unwavering commitment. We kept our eyes on the prize.'
He noted the preparation was fraught with challenges, from acclimatizing to heatwaves in Islamabad to maintaining focus amid institutional hurdles, but the PVF and Pakistan Army Centre supported the camp throughout.
Pakistan becomes only the second nation to win this title since its inception in 2023. By reaching the semifinals, the team has booked a place in the 2026 FIVB Boys' U‑17 World Championship.
The all-round performance, from dominant group-stage matches to a comeback win in the final, underscores Pakistan's growing stature in youth volleyball.
Nationwide acclaim
High-profile accolades flooded in following the win:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the team.
'Great match Champs! Pakistan's U16 volleyball team wins the Asian U16 Volleyball Championship after an enthralling performance! Congratulations Team Pakistan,' he wrote on X.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the 'Green Shirts' as an inspiration for the nation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
BD clinch T20I series against Pak
Tanzim Hasan Sakib made it five down in the powerplay. Photo: AFP Wicketkeeper batter Jaker Ali's gutsy half-century, followed by a collective bowling effort, led Bangladesh to a historic victory over Pakistan in the second T20I of the three-match series here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday. The victory helped Bangladesh to register their first-ever series triumph over Pakistan in the format. Set to chase a modest 134-run target, Pakistan's batting unit unfolded on 126 on the second delivery of the final over. The Green Shirts had an agonising start to their innings as their opener Saim Ayub (one) got run out in the first over with just four runs on the board. His dismissal was followed by a scathing middle-order collapse, which saw Pakistan lose four more wickets in quick succession and thus be reduced to 15/5 in 4.4 overs. Following the debacle, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha (nine) and all-rounder Khushdil Shah put together a cautious 15-run partnership for the sixth wicket, which culminated in the 10th over with the former's dismissal. Khushdil then shared a 17-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Faheem Ashraf until eventually falling victim to Mahedi Hasan in the 12th over after scoring 13 off 18 deliveries. His dismissal had further reduced Pakistan to 47/7 in 11.5 overs, with 87 runs further required off 49 deliveries. Faheem was then joined by Abbas Afridi in the middle, and the duo battled hard to prevent Pakistan from succumbing to their lowest total in T20Is by knitting a 41-run partnership. The duo had brought Pakistan in the hunt as the equation had come down to 46 runs required off 24 deliveries with three wickets in hand. But Shoriful Islam bamboozled Abbas on the first delivery of his final over to break the crucial stand. Abbas scored 19 off 13 deliveries with the help of two fours and a six. Faheem was then involved in another crucial partnership for Pakistan when he added 33 runs for the ninth wicket with Daniyal Ahmed until eventually falling victim to Rishad Hossain on the last delivery of the penultimate over. He remained the top-scorer for Pakistan with 51 off 32 deliveries, laced with four fours and as many sixes. Daniyal kept Pakistan's hopes alive by hitting Mustafizur Rahman for a boundary on the first delivery of the final over, reducing the required equation to nine off five. But Rahman deceived Daniyal with a slower delivery, who holed it straight to deep midwicket. He made an important contribution with an 11-ball 17, featuring three fours. Shoriful Islam was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, taking three wickets for 17 runs in his four overs. Earlier, Pacers Salman Mirza and debutant Ahmed Daniyal grabbed two wickets apiece to restrict Bangladesh to 133 all out in the second Twenty20 international in Dhaka on Tuesday. Mirza finished with 2-17 and Daniyal took 2-23 after Pakistan won the toss and sent Bangladesh into bat on another slow-paced pitch. Jaker Ali hit a fiery 48-ball 55 for his third T20I fifty, smashing five sixes and a boundary before holing out off the final delivery of the 20th over. Fast bowler Abbas Afridi also grabbed 2-37. Bangladesh lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first match — also at the same venue — by seven wickets. Bangladesh had lost four wickets by sixth over for 28 before Jaker and Mahedi Hasan revived the innings with a 53-run stand for the fifth wicket. Mahedi scored a 25-ball 33 with two sixes and as many boundaries.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Express Tribune
Volleyball victory
Listen to article Pakistan's stunning victory at the Asian U-16 Volleyball Championship in Thailand is a heartening reminder of the untapped potential that lies in our youth. The young team's comeback win over volleyball powerhouse Iran — after being two sets down — shows the resilience present in our young athletes. In an environment where sports infrastructure and youth development often fall victim to neglect and politics, this achievement has reinvigorated hope for Pakistan's sporting future. Beating Iran 3-2 in a nerve-wracking final in Thailand, this victory marked the first time Pakistan has clinched this prestigious continental title at the U-16 level. It is no small feat. Iran is a dominant force in Asian volleyball, and to overturn a two-set deficit against them speaks volumes about the team's mental strength and coaching discipline. Moreover, in the semi-final game, Pakistan crushed India 3-0, stamping its supremacy over the archrival. The rousing reception the team received at Lahore airport equally reflects the nation's thirst for good news in the sporting arena. Therefore, this historic triumph must act as a catalyst for sustained investment in youth sports, especially in disciplines outside cricket. Volleyball, like many other sports, has long remained underfunded and underreported. If this victory is to mean more than fleeting celebration, it must spark a wider conversation about sports policy reform and grassroots infrastructure. Pakistan now prepares for the U-17 Volleyball World Championship, and morale is understandably high. But success on the global stage will demand consistency and support. Government and corporate sponsors must step up because a nation that celebrates its young champions only on arrival but forgets them in training cannot expect long-term success. This win is a symbol of what is possible when passion is backed with purpose. Pakistan must not let this moment pass by.
Express Tribune
21-07-2025
- Express Tribune
India-Pakistan WCL 2025 clash called off
Shoaib Malik and Shikhar Dhawan are playing in the World Championship of Legends in England. Photo: AFP/file The much-anticipated fourth match of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, scheduled for Sunday at Edgbaston, has officially been called off. The announcement was made through a statement shared on the official social media handle of the WCL, confirming the cancellation of the marquee fixture. "We at WCL have always cherished and loved cricket, and our only aim has been to give fans some good, happy moments," the statement read. "After hearing the news that the Pakistan hockey team will be coming to India this year, and seeing recent India vs Pakistan volleyball and other inter-nation fixtures, we thought of continuing with the India vs Pakistan match at WCL — just to create some happy memories for people around the globe." "However, we have decided to call off the India vs Pakistan match," the statement added. "We sincerely apologise for hurting sentiments and hope people will understand that all we ever wanted was to bring a few happy moments to the fans." Before the official announcement, reports emerged that five India cricketers have set a condition ahead of their clash against Pakistan, stating they will not participate if former all-rounder Shahid Afridi is included in the squad or even enters the stadium premises. According to sources, former Indian all-rounders Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, and Suresh Raina, along with veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh and ex-opener Shikhar Dhawan, have raised strong objections to Afridi's presence and have formally conveyed their stance to the tournament organisers. Indian media reports further claim that Harbhajan Singh and Yusuf Pathan have already withdrawn from the match, citing political tensions and public sentiment. Additionally, Shikhar Dhawan had engaged in verbal spats on social media with the former Pakistan captain over his previous anti-India remarks. Dhawan confirmed his withdrawal through a story shared on his Instagram feed. It is pertinent to mention that the Green Shirts, led by Mohammad Hafeez, won the WCL 2025 opener against the England Champions by a narrow margin of five runs. Chasing 161, England were restricted to 155-3 in 20 overs, courtesy of a tight final over by Sohail Khan, who successfully defended 16 runs and conceded only 10 to secure the victory for his side. Pakistan Champions squad for WCL 2025: Mohammad Hafeez (c), Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Sharjeel Khan, Fawad Alam, Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanveer, Asif Ali, Sohaib Maqsood, Umar Amin, Rumman Raees, Amir Yamin and Sohail Khan. India Champions squad for WCL 2025: Yuvraj Singh (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, Stuart Binny, Gurkeerat Maan, Vinay Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Varun Aaron, Abhimanyu Mithun, and Pawan Negi.
