Anticipation is building as Pakistan prepare to take on arch-rivals India in the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Nations League, set to be held in Uzbekistan from May 29 to June 4. Originally scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan, the tournament was shifted after India declined to send its team across the border.
Despite the venue change, Pakistan captain Murad Jehan is brimming with confidence.
“Our team has some very good professional players and we are confident of defeating India with a big margin,” he told reporters at a press conference at the Pakistan Sports Complex. “We’re looking forward to the match.”
Jehan’s remarks reflect the intensity and significance of the clash, which is expected to be one of the highlights of the CAVA Nations League. Pakistan, the defending champions, are eager not just to retain the title but to make a strong statement against their rivals.
Chairman of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF), Mohammad Yaqoob, also addressed the media during the briefing. He highlighted the PVF’s ongoing efforts to grow the sport in Pakistan despite financial constraints.
“We are doing everything possible to promote volleyball across the country,” said Yaqoob. “Even with limited resources, our national teams are being prepared for multiple international tournaments. We just need more support from government authorities.”
According to Yaqoob, Pakistan will compete in seven international volleyball events this year, with senior, U-19, and U-16 teams all in action. The aim is to raise the standard of Pakistani volleyball and provide exposure to players on global platforms.
Following the CAVA Nations League, the senior team will head to Bahrain to take part in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Nations Cup from June 17 to 24. Later that month, Pakistan will host Russia for a three-match volleyball series – a move that Yaqoob believes will boost the sport’s visibility at home.
Meanwhile, the U-19 team is preparing for the FIVB U-19 World Championship, scheduled from July 24 to August 3 in Uzbekistan. The U-16 team will participate in the CAVA U-16 Championship (June 10–16) and then the Asian U-16 Championship in Thailand from July 20 to 27.
Pakistan’s volleyball journey doesn’t stop there. In October, the team is set to represent the country at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain. Additionally, both the men’s and women’s national teams are scheduled to compete in the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia this November.
With a packed international calendar, the PVF is not only focusing on results but also on development.
“This is about building the future,” said Yaqoob. “Every international match, every tournament — it’s a step towards putting Pakistan volleyball on the global map.”
As fans gear up for the much-anticipated showdown with India, the message is clear: Pakistan’s volleyball teams are ready, ambitious, and aiming high in 2025.
