Pakistan rewards U16 volleyball team after Asian title win

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Under-16 boys volleyball team was given cash awards in Islamabad after clinching the gold medal at the 2nd Asian U16 Volleyball Championship 2025 in Thailand, a result that delivered the country’s first Asian title in age-group volleyball.

The ceremony was held under the federal government’s sports incentive policy. Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani attended as chief guest. Pakistan Volleyball Federation Chairman Chaudhary Muhammad Yaqoob, PVF President Sohail Khawar, officials, coaches, players and other guests were also present.

The title-winning campaign also secured Pakistan a place at the FIVB Boys U17 World Championship 2026, with the team set to represent the country after qualifying through its success at the Asian U16 event. The federation described the achievement as a landmark moment that has placed Pakistan among emerging volleyball nations.

Cash rewards and upcoming events

During the ceremony, the Pakistan Sports Board awarded Rs600,000 to each player in the championship-winning squad. The coaching staff was also given a combined cash reward of Rs1 million in recognition of its role in the victory.

Speaking at the event, PVF Chairman Chaudhary Muhammad Yaqoob said Pakistan would host the CAVA Men’s Volleyball Championship 2026 in Islamabad from July 22 to 29. He said 10 countries are expected to take part: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan.

According to the federation chairman, the event is set to be among the biggest international volleyball tournaments hosted by Pakistan and is expected to provide the national side with competitive exposure while helping promote the sport in the region.

Road to 2026 competitions

Yaqoob also said the 16th Asian Boys U18 Volleyball Championship will be held in China from July 12 to 18, 2026. He added that the FIVB Boys U17 World Championship is scheduled to take place in Qatar from August 19 to 29, 2026.

As part of preparations for the world championship, the Pakistan U17 team is expected to tour France for training. The planned visit is being arranged through international volleyball cooperation and is expected to include a three-nation series featuring Brazil, Iran and Pakistan, giving the players experience against higher-level opposition ahead of the global tournament.

The Pakistan Volleyball Federation also thanked the Government of Pakistan, the Ministry of IPC, the Pakistan Sports Board, sponsors, coaches, athletes and other stakeholders for supporting the development of volleyball in the country.