KARACHI: Pakistan U16 Volleyball team defeated Kazakhstan 3-0 and registered their second win in the Central Asian U16 Volleyball Championship on Sunday.
Pakistan, showing no weaknesses, stunned Kazakhstan 28-30, 23-25 and 12-25 and won without dropping a set.
Pakistan have now won two out of three matches in the event.
Meanwhile, in the second match against Uzbekistan on Saturday (15 July), Pakistan lost 3-2 against the hosts.
Despite having a 2-1 lead at point, Men in Green ended up losing with the scores of 17-25, 25-15, 25-22, 21-25, 12-15.
Earlier in the first match on Friday (July 14), Pakistan defeated Iran after a thrilling encounter which ended 3-2 in Men in Green’s favour.
In an intense five-set encounter, the Pakistan U-16 team showcased their resilience and teamwork, ultimately clinching a hard-fought triumph over their Iranian counterparts.
The final was 19-25, 29-27, 19-25, 25-17, and 15-13 in favour of Pakistan.
For Pakistan, Khizer Hayat, Talal Ahmed, Ajmal Junaid, Yahya Afridi and Muhtad Ali Shah played a significant part in Pakistan’s victory.
“This victory underscores the immense talent and potential of the young Pakistani athletes as they overcame formidable challenges to secure a memorable win,” said Shah Naeem Zafar, Secretary General of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation.
He added that the CAVA U-16 Volleyball Championship holds immense significance in the development of volleyball in the region, providing a platform for talented young athletes to exhibit their skills, learn from one another, and foster international camaraderie.
The Pakistan U-16 team will also participate in the first Asian Men’s U-16 Volleyball Championship from 22 - 29 July 2023 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The Team will return to Pakistan on 30 July 2023 after participation in both events.
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.