LAHORE: The Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) on Friday announced its ambition to break into the world’s top 30 rankings by 2026 to compete in the qualifying rounds for the 2028 Olympic Games, urging the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and private sector to bolster support for the mission.
PVF Chairman Chaudhry Mohammad Yaqoob outlined the roadmap during a press conference detailing the 54th National Senior Volleyball Championship, scheduled from April 4-10 in Wah Cantt.
He emphasised that achieving the ranking target would require “maximum financial and logistic support” from stakeholders.
“Though it seems a hard target, the current potential of our players and their impressive performances make it possible,” Yaqoob said, highlighting recent strides in the sport.
Pakistan junior team won the U-18 CAVA Championship and bronze medal in the Asian U-18 Volleyball Championship in 2024.
Yaqoob noted that 10 Pakistani players are currently competing in international leagues, earning between $4,000 to $8,000, underscoring the country’s talent pool.
To strengthen preparations, the PVF has hired an Iranian head coach, two assistant coaches and a dedicated coach for the women’s team.
Yaqoob also revealed plans to host Russia’s junior team for a five-match series ahead of the Junior World Championship in Uzbekistan this July.
In a regional diplomatic nod, he added that India’s volleyball team was the first to confirm participation in the Asian Central Volleyball Championship, which Pakistan will host in May- June.
The upcoming National Senior Volleyball Championship will feature 14 teams, including Wapda, Army, PAF, provincial squads, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
Matches will be split into four groups, with the top two from each advancing to the league-stage round. Coaches will scout the event to finalise squads for international competitions.
Yaqoob, however, flagged infrastructure gaps, stressing the need for “quality air-conditioned volleyball halls” to meet global standards.
The PVF’s push comes amid a resurgence in Pakistani volleyball, with the senior team recently climbing to 46th in global rankings and the junior side securing a World Championship berth.
Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2025
