KEY POINTS
- Pakistan’s silver medal marks their second at the ongoing Asian Youth Games.
- The Pakistan Volleyball Federation lauds the team’s exceptional performance.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s unbeaten run at the 3rd Asian Youth Games ended in the boys’ volleyball final on Thursday, as Iran claimed the gold medal with a straight-sets victory — 25-21, 25-23, 25-23 — in Bahrain.
Despite a valiant effort from the Green Shirts, they had to settle for the silver medal, marking a bittersweet end to an outstanding tournament.
The match, held at Isa Bin Rashid Sports City in Bahrain, saw Pakistan fight fiercely in every set, but Iran’s superior performance ultimately triumphed.
The loss, however, could not overshadow the achievements of the Pakistani team, who remained undefeated in all their matches until the final.
Pakistan’s Volleyball Federation (PVF) expressed immense pride in the team’s performance, highlighting their journey to the final as a historic milestone for the sport at the youth level.
“Our boys have given their all throughout this tournament. They displayed exceptional skill and resilience, which earned them the silver medal,” said a PVF spokesperson.
“The final was a tough battle, and while we missed the gold by a narrow margin, the team’s efforts brought immense pride and honour to the nation.”
This silver medal marks Pakistan’s second at the ongoing Asian Youth Games, following a bronze earned by the boys’ Kabaddi team last week.
The tournament’s standout players, including Muhammad Yahya, Muhammad Anas, Muhammad Irfan, and Ajmal Junaid, were pivotal to the team’s success. PVF credited their development plan, which has been in motion for the past four years, as a key factor in the team’s remarkable performances. “From the U16 Asian Championship gold to the U18 and U19 Championships, and now the silver at the Asian Youth Games, this journey exemplifies the growth of Pakistan volleyball,” the PVF stated.
Before the final, Pakistan had dominated their opponents in every match, showcasing their growing strength in the sport. They defeated teams such as Mongolia, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and China in commanding performances.
Tournament Match Scores
Semi-finals: Pakistan vs Indonesia: 22-25, 25-13, 25-19, 26-24 (3-1)
Quarter-finals: Pakistan vs China: 25-12, 25-13, 25-17 (3-0)
Group E: Pakistan vs Saudi Arabia: 25-16, 25-21, 23-25, 26-24 (3-1)
Group E: Pakistan vs Uzbekistan: 25-13, 25-20, 25-18 (3-0)
Preliminary Round: Pakistan vs Bahrain: 25-18, 26-24, 25-23 (3-0)
Preliminary Round: Pakistan vs Mongolia: 25-22, 25-13, 25-15 (3-0)
Though the Green Shirts fell short of the gold, their journey remains a testament to their skill, teamwork, and determination.
As the PVF looks ahead, they continue to focus on long-term development, with hopes that this success at the Asian Youth Games will pave the way for future triumphs in international volleyball competitions.
