ISLAMABAD, Sept 15: Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) will hold open trials at Liaquat Gymnasium here from Thursday to launch preparations for the 9th SAF Games.

“All affiliated departments and associations will be invited to send their best players to these all-Pakistan open trials”, the PVF Secretary, Maj. (r) Muhammad Afzal said.

He said initially 25-odd players will be selected through the open trials to undergo camp training for the South Asian Federation (SAF) Games to be held in March-April.

“Later, the camp strength will be reduced to 18 or so players so as the foreign coach concentrates on each individual”, said the honorary secretary. “The trials are likely to continue for two-three days”.

Coach Ivan Stifnov of Bulgaria and Abdul Khaliq Khan and Mahabat Khan of Pakistan will be amongst those to watch the open trials and select the camp probables.

Pakistan volleyball team, which finished sixth in the just-concluded Asian Volleyball Championship is also likely to make a training tour or two abroad between now and the 9th SAF Games.

The officials said since there are possibly six months to go for the SAF Games, the team will have plenty of time and opportunities to reach the peak form when “it was needed most”.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian volleyball authorities have decided not to undertake the proposed tour to this country.

“The Egyptian tour is now off,” said the PVF secretary.—APP