Central Asian Volleyball arrangements finalised

LAHORE: The Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) has with the support of several private institutes and the provincial government finalised the arrangements for the 5-nation tournament to be held under the banner of Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA).

The PVF got the support of Engro, Jazz, Pepsi, TCL, Jubilee Insurance, Kingdom Valley and Allied Bank.

The event marks the end of a 17-year gap since the last time an international volleyball championship was held in Pakistan. The tourney that begins on November 24 will feature Iran, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Iran are ranked number one in CAVA zonal rankings. Hosts Pakistan are ranked second. All matches of the championship will be played at Sports Hall, Punjab Sports Complex.

In a press conference the details of the event were unveiled along with the coveted trophy of the tournament in the presence of five competing captains and PVF officials.

President PVF Chaudhary Muhammad Yaqoob expressed his immense delight on the success of the federation and its attempts to project Pakistan volleyball again on world map.

“This tournament marks the end of a huge hiatus of international volleyball stars coming to Pakistan and begins a new chapter that will enthrall thousands of fans of this sport in this country," he said.

"My most honorable mention of gratitude to Engro and its partnership with us through Engro Volleyball Development Program, which has resulted in bringing a tournament of such magnitude into Pakistan. For years we are indebted to Trans Group who have organized and broadcasted our events globally with huge success resulting in great viewership towards the sport,” he said.

Rao Omar Hashim Khan, Group Director Trans Group, said, “Volleyball has a been passionate sport of this nation through all seasons and ages. Being Pakistan’s biggest sports marketing and production company, it was this enthusiasm that resulted us in broadcasting all of PVFs national championships since 2018. We are delighted to be a part of this historic championship and will aim to bring volleyball in Pakistan to a global audience.”