ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in the opening match of the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Men’s Volleyball Championship here at the Liaqat Gymnasium of the Pakistan Sports Complex on Wednesday.

The championship will conclude on July 29.

Following the opening fixture, Kazakhstan will face Nepal, while Uzbekistan will meet Bangladesh. India, despite initially confirming their participation, withdrew from the tournament ahead of its start.

Speaking at the trophy unveiling ceremony on Tuesday, Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) chairman Chaudhary Mohammad Yaqoob welcomed the participating teams and technical officials.

He said the championship promised a week of high-quality international volleyball while promoting regional friendship and showcasing the standard of the sport in Central Asia.

Expressing disappointment over India’s withdrawal, Yaqoob said the PVF had, at India’s request, secured the required no-objection certificates and completed all documentation to facilitate their participation, besides making comprehensive security arrangements. Despite these efforts, he said, the Indian team pulled out at the eleventh hour.

He, however, maintained that the championship remained one of the biggest international volleyball events hosted by Pakistan and reflected the country’s growing reputation as a safe destination for international sporting events.

The PVF also said it was looking forward to welcoming volleyball fans from across the country for the tournament.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s participation remained uncertain due to documentation issues. Although the country was expected to feature in the championship, the team had yet to arrive in Islamabad.

Sources said there was little likelihood of Afghanistan joining the competition, which is set to begin with six teams.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2026