ISLAMABAD: Pakistan are looking forward to their clash against India at the upcoming Central Asian Volleyball Association Nations League with skipper Murad Jehan stating his side will do its best to win against their bitter rivals.

The tournament was due to be held in Pakistan before it was shifted to Uzbekistan after India’s refusal to send its team and will run from May 29 to June 4.

“Our team has some very good professional players and we are confident of defeating India with a big margin … we’re looking forward to it,” Jehan told Dawn on the sidelines of a news conference at the Pakistan Sports Complex on Friday, which was also attended by Pakistan Volleyball Federation chairman Mohammad Yaqoob.

Pakistan will defend their crown at the Nations League and Yaqoob said the PVF was taking every possible step for the promotion of the sport in the country and ensuring participation of the national teams in international events despite limited resources.

“We need stronger backing from the government authorities,” he told reporters, informing that along with CAVA Nations League, Pakistan’s senior and age-group teams are set to participate in six other international tournaments this year.

“It is a reflection of the commitment of the PVF … our senior, under-19 and under-16 teams are undergoing training to produce better results in upcoming international events. Participation in international events would not only boost skills of players but will also raise Pakistan’s profile in the global volleyball community.”

After the Nations League, the senior team will take part in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Nations Cup in Bahrain from June 17 to 24 while Russia are due to visit for a three-match series later in the same month.

The Under-19 team, meanwhile, is gearing up for the FIVB U-19 World Championship in Uzbekistan from July 24 to Aug 3 while the Under-16 side is due to take part in the CAVA U-16 Championship in Uzbekistan, that runs from June 10 to 16, and the Asian U16 Volleyball Championship in Thailand from July 20 to 27.

Pakistan are also due to send the volleyball team to the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain in October with Yaqoob informing that both the men’s and women’s team will be in action during November’s Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2025