ISLAMABAD, Nov 8 The Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) on Monday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming Asian Games.

Ismail Khan would lead the squad, PVF President Mohammad Yaqoob told Dawn on Monday.

The squad also includes three officials — coach, assistant coach and manager.

The Pakistan team, placed in pool 'A', along with China, Chinese Taipei and Thailand will start their campaign on Nov 13. Sixteen teams would be seen in action in the event while two teams would qualify for the next round from each of the four pools.“No doubt, the match against China will be tough. However, we are looking to win against Chinese Taipei and Thailand,” said Yaqoob.

Volleyball has a huge following in rural towns of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. However, lack of proper financial support from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and the Federal Sports Ministry has led to current poor ranking of the national team at the Asian level.

“The team has improved a lot under Brazilian coach Augusto Sabbattini and we are hoping positive results from the squad,” insisted the president.

Squad

Ismail Khan (captain), Naseer Ahmed, Zaheer Abbas, Farooq Khan, Munir Khan, Mohammad Razzaq, Asif Nadeem, Yasin, Mohib Rasool, Amir Sharif, Shuja Abbas, Aimal Khan.

Officials Augusto Sabbattini (coach), Zaffar Abbas (manager), Mazhar Hussain (assistant coach).