ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s first group of athletes, 18 members volleyball team left for Nepal on Monday night to participate in South Asian Games.

The squad flew out from the Islamabad International Airport.

“Tonight our first batch of athletes, 16 volleyball players and two officials, will leave for the South Asian Games,” said Pakistan Sports Board director media Azam Dar prior to the squad’s departure.

The 13th South Asian Games will be staged in Kathmandu from Dec 1-10.

Aimal Khan will lead the volleyball team at the regional extravaganza, Azam added.

“In the last edition of the South Asian Games, our team won the silver medal. And this time around, the Pakistan Volleyball Federation is hoping for the gold. Our players are in good form. Recently, they defeated India in the Asian Volleyball Championship held in Iran,” Azam said.

A 305-strong Pakistan contingent including athletes and officials will feature in various disciplines at the regional sports gala.

Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2019