Pak sets sights on world stage after historic U16 Asian Volleyball triumph

Islamabad: The Pakistan Under-16 Boys Volleyball Team, which secured a historic gold medal at the 2nd Asian U16 Volleyball Championship 2025 in Thailand, received cash awards under the federal government's sports incentive program during a ceremony in Islamabad.

The team's victory marked Pakistan's first-ever Asian championship title in age-group volleyball. Their achievement also qualified them for the FIVB Boys U17 World Championship 2026, highlighting Pakistan's rising presence in international volleyball.

The event was attended by Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani as the chief guest. Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) Chairman Chaudhary Muhammad Yaqoob, PVF President Sohail Khawar, coaches, players, officials, and other distinguished guests were also present.

Addressing the gathering, PVF Chairman Chaudhary Muhammad Yaqoob praised the country's growing success in volleyball and announced that Pakistan will host the CAVA Men's Volleyball Championship 2026 in Islamabad from July 22 to 29.

The tournament is expected to feature ten countries—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan—making it one of the biggest international volleyball events ever organized in the country. The competition is expected to strengthen Pakistan's national team and further promote the sport across the region.

Yaqoob also noted that the 16th Asian Boys U18 Volleyball Championship will take place in China from July 12 to 18, 2026, while the FIVB Boys U17 World Championship is scheduled in Qatar from August 19 to 29, 2026.

Following their historic triumph at the Asian U16 Championship, Pakistan's U17 squad has earned the opportunity to compete on the global stage at the World Championship.

To prepare for the tournament, the team is likely to participate in an international training camp in France. The proposed tour is expected to include a three-nation series featuring Brazil, Iran, and Pakistan, providing valuable experience against top-level opposition before the world event.

The PVF thanked the Government of Pakistan, the Ministry of IPC, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), sponsors, coaches, athletes, and other stakeholders for their ongoing support in advancing volleyball in the country.

As part of the government's recognition of the team's achievement, the Pakistan Sports Board awarded Rs600,000 to each player. Additionally, the coaching staff received a combined reward of Rs1 million in appreciation of their role in the team's historic success.