Pakistan’s dream campaign at the 2nd Asian U16 Men’s Volleyball Championship continued as the young guns dismantled arch-rivals India to storm into the final.
The semifinal proved little challenge for the Pakistan juniors as they eased to a 25-16, 25-19 and 25-12 win to extend their unbeaten run in the competition. They will now face familiar foes in the final, with Iran once again standing between them and the continental crown. Both teams have already secured qualification for the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship, but the title remains up for grabs in tomorrow’s final in Thailand.
Pakistan have been the tournament’s standout side, beginning their campaign with a statement 3-0 win over South Korea, sweeping the sets 25-16, 25-19, and 25-8. That opening win laid the foundation for a clinical group-stage run, with Saudi Arabia and Chinese Taipei next on the list.
Carrying their top form into the crossover phase, Pakistan bested Indonesia 3-0. That victory helped them retain momentum ahead of the blockbuster group-stage clash against defending champions Iran.
In what has been described as one of the tournament’s defining matches, Pakistan outlasted Iran 3-1 (25-23, 25-19, 22-25, 31-29), handing the Iranians their first defeat and topping Group F. The match, which lasted over two hours, marked the first time Pakistan dropped a set in the tournament, but retained their unbeaten streak.
That result set up a semifinal clash against India, where Pakistan once again rose to the occasion. The team now stands one win away from becoming Asian U16 champions for the first time in history.
Pakistan and Iran will now meet again in the U16 Volleyball Championship Final on July 19 in Nakhon Pathom—a rematch that promises high drama and continental pride. Iran booked their spot after a dominant straight-sets win over Japan in the semifinals, but they’ll be all too aware of the challenge Pakistan presents after their earlier defeat.
Despite having their tickets punched to the World Championships, Pakistan will look to add an Asian crown to underscore their growing influence on Asian volleyball.