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       LAHORE: The Pakis-tan Volleyball Federation (PVF) on Friday annou-nced its ambition to break into the world’s top 30 rankings by 2026 to compete in the qualifying rounds for the 2028 Oly-mpic Games, urging the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and private sector to bolster support for the mission.

       PVF Chairman Chau-dhry Mohammad Yaqoob outlined the roadmap during a press conference detailing the 54th National Senior Volleyball Cham-pionship, scheduled from April 4-10 in Wah Cantt.

       He emphasised that achieving the ranking target would require “maximum financial and logistic support” from stakeholders.

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       “Though it seems a hard target, the current potential of our players and their impressive performances make it possible,” Yaqoob said, highlighting recent strides in the sport.

       Pakistan junior team won the U-18 CAVA Championship and bronze medal in the Asian U-18 Volleyball Championship in 2024.

       Yaqoob noted that 10 Pakistani players are currently competing in international leagues, earning between $4,000 to $8,000, underscoring the country’s talent pool.

       To strengthen preparations, the PVF has hired an Iranian head coach, two assistant coaches and a dedicated coach for the women’s team.

       Yaqoob also revealed plans to host Russia’s junior team for a five-match series ahead of the Junior World Championship in Uzbekistan this July.

       In a regional diplomatic nod, he added that India’s volleyball team was the first to confirm participation in the Asian Central Volleyball Championship, which Pakistan will host in May- June.

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       The upcoming National Senior Volleyball Cham-pionship will feature 14 teams, including Wapda, Army, PAF, provincial squads, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.

       Matches will be split into four groups, with the top two from each advancing to the league-stage round. Coaches will scout the event to finalise squads for international competitions.

       Yaqoob, however, flagged infrastructure gaps, stressing the need for “quality air-conditioned volleyball halls” to meet global standards.

       The PVF’s push comes amid a resurgence in Pakistani volleyball, with the senior team recently climbing to 46th in global rankings and the junior side securing a World Championship berth.

       Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2025