NEW DELHI: India has withdrawn its national volleyball team from the upcoming Central Asian Volleyball Championship in Pakistan, citing rising political tensions following the Pahalgam incident in Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) had earlier confirmed participation, submitting entries for a 30-member contingent — including 22 players and eight support staff — to the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF), organisers of the regional tournament.
However, officials confirmed that the VFI was advised by India’s Union Sports Ministry to withdraw from the event in light of the current diplomatic climate.
The Central Asian Volleyball Championship is scheduled to take place from 28 May to 4 June at the Liaquat Gymnasium in Islamabad.
National teams from Iran, Pakistan, and other Central Asian countries are set to participate.
Pakistan had successfully hosted the event in 2024, winning the title by defeating Turkmenistan in the final.
While India’s withdrawal has altered the original lineup, tournament organisers noted that the competition will proceed as planned with four participating nations.
Officials also downplayed the impact of India’s absence, citing the team’s modest performances in recent continental events — an 11th-place finish in the 2023 Asian Men’s Volleyball Championship and seventh place for the women’s team.
This latest development follows a series of retaliatory measures between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam incident on 22 April, where gunmen opened fire on visitors in the Pahalgam area of IIOJK, killing at least 26 people and injuring 17 others.
Indian media outlets immediately blamed Pakistan without providing credible evidence, a claim strongly denied by Islamabad.
Pakistan has accused India of orchestrating terror attacks to malign its image and has criticised New Delhi for sponsoring terrorism on Pakistani soil.
In response to escalating tensions, Pakistan expelled 23 Indian nationals working for a Pakistan Super League (PSL) broadcast partner earlier this month.
The Indian staff were part of a technical team contracted to cover the 10th edition of the PSL, which began on 11 April and is scheduled to conclude on 18 May.
