Latest news with #MuhammadYaqoob
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pakistan stun Qatar to reach AVC Volleyball final
A view of the Pakistan-Qatar volleyball semifinal at the AVC Nations Cup in Bahrain on Monday. PHOTO: PVF Pakistan advanced to the final of the AVC Nations Cup Volleyball Tournament after securing a stunning straight-sets victory over Qatar in the semifinal. According to reports from Bahrain, where the inaugural edition of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Nations Cup is currently underway, Pakistan - ranked 43rd in the world - outclassed world number 23 Qatar by 3-0, securing at least a silver medal in the tournament. The national team displayed remarkable composure and skill, winning the first two sets with identical scores of 25-22, and sealing the match with a 25-21 win in the third set. The Nations Cup final will be played tomorrow, with Pakistan either facing Korea or the hosts, Bahrain. Earlier in the quarterfinals, Pakistan defeated Indonesia 3-1. Indonesia is ranked 62nd in the world. During the group stage, Pakistan emerged as Group C champions by defeating both the Philippines and Chinese Taipei. It is worth noting that due to its impressive performances on the international circuit, Pakistan has climbed significantly in the global volleyball rankings, rising from 89th to 45th position. For the unversed, the tournament is being played in Manama from June 17 to 24 and features 12 teams. These include Pakistan, Bahrain, Indonesia, Thailand, Qatar, Australia, Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei, the Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam, and New Zealand. For context, the tournament serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Asian Volleyball Championship, with top-performing teams earning world ranking points and potential entry into the 2028 Olympic Games and the 2027 FIVB World Championships. PVF Chairman Ch. Muhammad Yaqoob shared his remarks on the historic victory: "This win is more than just a semi-final resultit's a statement. The players have shown tremendous heart and discipline. Climbing to World No. 39 is a reflection of the hard work being done at all levels of Pakistan volleyball. We now set our eyes on the final with pride and confidence.
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pak stuns Chinese Taipei to reach volleyball quarters
Pakistan national senior men's volleyball team put up a thrilling performance in Manama, Bahrain on Thursday, defeating the formidable Chinese Taipe sidei in a five-set nail-biter to top Pool C and secure their place in the Quarterfinals of the AVC Nations Cup 2025, being held in Bahrain. The match was one of the most exciting encounters of the tournament so far, filled with high-paced rallies, incredible comebacks, and outstanding individual brilliance from both sides. Pakistan took an early lead by winning the first two sets 25-20 and 25-22, showing confidence and control on the court. However, Chinese Taipei responded strongly, taking the third and fourth sets 25-21 and 25-16, pushing the match into a decisive fifth set. In a dramatic and intense final set, Pakistan held their nerve and edged past Chinese Taipei with a score of 18-16, securing a memorable 3-2 victory. With this win, Pakistan finishes first in Pool C and has now officially qualified for the Quarterfinals of the AVC Nations Cup 2025. Pakistan will face the second-ranked team from Pool A, which is yet to be decided between Bahrain and Indonesia. Their match outcome will determine Pakistan's next opponent. The Quarterfinal match is scheduled for the coming days, and the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) will announce the official match date and time shortly after final pool standings are confirmed. Speaking after the match, PVF Chairman Ch. Muhammad Yaqoob expressed his pride in the team's performance: "This was a historic win. The team showed tremendous fighting spirit and composure under pressure."
