ISLAMABAD, Jan 17 Pakistan volleyball team is in a strong position to qualify for the 2010 World Championship`s second qualifying round, scheduled to be held in Thailand in May, claimed an official of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF).

The PVF will host the first qualifying round at the Pakistan Sports Complex from Jan 28 to 30.

An official of the PVF told Dawn on Saturday that Bangladesh, Maldives and Macau, along with the hosts Pakistan would feature in the three-day event.

“Two top teams from the first round will qualify for the second round. Then again, two top teams from the second round will join Japan and Korea in the third round which will be hosted by Japan in August,” he said.

The leading side of the third round will make it to the World Championship, scheduled to be held in Italy in October 2010.

When asked about Pakistan`s winning chances in the upcoming event, he said “We are in a strong position against Bangladesh and Maldives as we had defeated both of them previously.”

However, he added, it was for the first time that hosts Pakistan would face Macau.

Regarding preparation of the Pakistani squad, he said “22 volleyball players are participating in a camp under Iranian coach Ali Reza Moameri.”

About security arrangements, he claimed, “We have assured foolproof security for the visiting foreign teams.”

Two technical officials nominated by the Federation International De Volleyball will arrive on Jan 25.

The PVF would announce the squad for the event on Monday.