ISLAMABAD: Pakistan volleyball team completed the group stage of the Asian U-16 Volleyball Championship with a perfect record, defeating Chinese Taipei 3-0 in their final match in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
The straight-sets victory secured Pakistan’s top spot in Group D and a place in the crossover round of the tournament.
In a clash that lasted just over an hour, the young Green Shirts showcased nerves of steel and clinical execution, securing the straight-sets victory with scores of 26-24, 25-14, and 25-16.
The final group match turned into a showcase of raw talent and composure under pressure, with Faizanullah, Talha Maher, and Muhammad Junaid leading the charge.
With this win, Pakistan completed a flawless sweep of Group D, not dropping a single set in three matches — a commanding statement of intent from a side hungry for continental glory.
Their campaign began with an authoritative 3-0 win over South Korea, dispatching the East Asian side with set scores of 25-16, 25-19, and 25-8. Talha, Junaid, Wahab, Irfan, Faizan, and Sanan combined fluidly in attack and defence, laying the groundwork for their momentum.
In the second encounter, Saudi Arabia faced a similar fate, as Pakistan dominated with another emphatic 3-0 win — 25-14, 25-13, 25-11. The team’s coordination, aggressive serves, and tactical precision left no room for error.
As a result, Pakistan tops Group D and advances to the crossover stage, where they will clash with the top two teams from Group B — a crucial hurdle on the path to the knockout rounds. South Korea, despite their loss to Pakistan, also progresses from Pool D.
The championship, hosted by the Asian Volleyball Confederation, features 16 teams divided into four pools, with matches taking place across the Thai cities of Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi.
What’s at stake? Not just continental bragging rights. The top four finishers from this tournament will book a direct ticket to the FIVB U-17 World Championship in 2026, which will feature an expanded 24-team format, up from 16 in the previous edition.
With the semi-finals and final set for July 19, Pakistan’s rising stars now stand just a few matches away from writing their names into the annals of Asian volleyball history.
