As Pakistan gears up to defend their title at the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Nations League, all eyes are on their high-stakes clash with traditional rivals India—a fixture now charged with even greater intensity after political tensions forced a late venue change.
Originally slated to take place in Pakistan, the event was moved to Uzbekistan following India’s refusal to travel across the border. But despite the disruption, Pakistan captain Murad Jehan is unfazed and, in fact, he’s relishing the challenge.
“Our team has some very good professional players and we are confident of defeating India by a big margin … we’re looking forward to it,” Jehan told Dawn at a press conference held at the Pakistan Sports Complex on Friday.
Jehan’s confident remarks come as Pakistan prepares not just for a grudge match, but for a stretch of critical fixtures that could shape the sport’s direction in the country. The CAVA Nations League will run from May 29 to June 4, with Pakistan aiming to retain the crown they so convincingly won last year.
Pakistan’s senior side won’t have much breathing space after Uzbekistan. The Pakistan Volleyball Federation has already announced a packed calendar for 2025.
But for now, the spotlight remains firmly on the looming India clash and Murad Jehan’s bold prediction.
In a sport where rivalries can often be overshadowed by cricket’s dominance in the region, this encounter promises to stir passions and perhaps write a fresh chapter in Pakistan’s growing volleyball narrative.