NAKHON PATHOM: Pakistan stunned the defending champions Iran 3-2 in the nail-biting final to clinch the AVC Asian Men’s U16 Volleyball Championship here at the Nakhon Pathom Gymnasium on Saturday.
The holders started the game with a bang, winning the first two sets. It looked like it would be a heartbreak for Green Shirts, but the victors made an astounding comeback, winning two sets in a row to force the decider.
The scores were 22-25, 21-25 in the first two sets in favour of Iran, but then Pakistan came back from behind to win the next two by 30-28, 25-21 and force a decider, which the Green Shirts won by 15-10 to clinch their maiden Asian Volleyball championship title.
Muhammad Junaid was the top scorer with 28 points, while Faizanullah contributed 22 points, playing crucial roles in the Pakistan volleyball team victory.
Pakistan volleyball team started their campaign in Asian Volleyball Championship against South Korea with a 3-0 win, followed by a dominant victory over Saudi Arabia (25-14, 25-13, 25-11), and another straight sets triumph over Chinese Taipei in the group stage.
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They then overcame Indonesia in the quarterfinals 3-0 and secured a perfect 3-0 victory over arch-rivals India in the semi-final on Thursday in their journey to the final.
On Wednesday, with a place in the semi-finals of the Asian U-16 Volleyball Championship, Pakistan also booked their berth in next year’s FIVB U-17 World Championship.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the team in a post on X after their victory in the Asian Volleyball Championship.
“Great match Champs!” the post read.
“Pakistan’s U16 volleyball team wins the Asian U16 Volleyball Championship after an enthralling performance!
“Congratulations Team Pakistan.”
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised Pakistan for winning the Asian Volleyball Championship title.
“Proud moment for us all as U-16 volleyball team has won the Asian Championship, defeating defending champions Iran in the final. A moment of pride and inspiration for the entire nation. Well done, champs!”, the interior minister said in a post on X.
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