NAGOYA, Japan: Pakistan’s volleyball team has reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 Asian Games after defeating Uzbekistan 3-0 in their Group A second-round match.
Pakistan secured a comfortable victory with scores of 25-18, 25-18 and 25-20 at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium to register their second win of the competition.
Pakistan dominate from start to finish
Pakistan controlled the match from the opening set, building an early advantage and preventing Uzbekistan from producing a sustained comeback.
The national team won the first set 25-18 before repeating the same scoreline in the second set to move closer to completing a straight-set victory.
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Uzbekistan showed more resistance in the third set, but Pakistan maintained control and closed out the match with a 25-20 win.
Pakistan prepare for Japan challenge
Pakistan manager Naseer Ahmad praised the team’s performance and said the players had improved after their opening match.
“We could win 3-0 even against Kazakhstan, but it was the first game and boys needed some adjustment,” Naseer said.
Pakistan had defeated Kazakhstan 3-1 in their opening match before overcoming Uzbekistan.
The manager said the team would look to challenge hosts Japan in their final group match, acknowledging the strength of the Japanese side.
“Japan is a tough team, but we will try our level best to beat them,” he said.
Squad continues Asian Games campaign
Pakistan’s lineup included setter Abu Bakar Siddique, captain Murad Jehan, Afaq Khan, Muhammad Yahya, Murad Khan, Fahad Raza, Hamid Yazman, Jabran, Muhammad Hamad, Musawer Khan, Khizar Hayat and Usman Faryad Ali.
Pakistan will face Japan in their final group match today.
The top two teams from each of the four groups will qualify for the quarter-finals of the volleyball competition.
