ISLAMABAD, Dec 30: Pakistan will organise an international volleyball tournament in February-March and an Asian Club Championship in June next year.

Both these men's volleyball events will be staged at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, the Secretary of Pakistan Volleyball Federation, Maj. (rtd.) Muhammad Afzal, told reporters on Thursday.

"We have sent invitations to 7-8 countries for the February-March event", he said. "We look forward to at least four foreign countries plus our own two teams figuring in this tournament".

The tournament will be held from February 26 to March 2. About the Asian club championship, he said a criteria for clubs eligible to participate would be hammered out after the visit of an official from Asian Volleyball Confederation shortly.

This tournament will be held June 1-8. In 2005, Pakistan will also compete in the volleyball competitions of the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia in April, 10th South Asian Games at Colombo (Sri Lanka) in August, 13th Asian Championship in Thailand in September and Rashid International Tournament at Dubai in October. Afzal said a Chinese coach for the Pakistan team, Mr. Feng, was due here within two weeks. -APP