In Pakistan, where cricket often steals the spotlight, volleyball quietly thrives, deeply rooted in the country’s rural heartlands, where it has been a beloved tradition for decades.
Now, with eyes set on the ultimate stage – the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics – the Pakistan Volleyball Federation is driving an ambitious resurgence, aiming to place the national team among the world’s elite.
Village-level tournaments in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh draw massive crowds, and passion for the sport permeates society. For years, Pakistan’s volleyball struggled in the shadows, far from the global stage. But much has started to change.
Thanks to the Pakistan Volleyball Federation, significant investments have been made. Development of infrastructure, youth, and quality coaching have boosted the game over the period, with the focus on international competitions.
Recent highlights that deserve commending include the triumph of the green shirts at the Central Asian Volleyball Championship 2024, emerging as champions. It raised team spirit further and established that Pakistan could rule at the regional level, which was the building block for a far greater aspiration.
A much bigger success unfolded when world number 34, Australia, came to Islamabad for a three-match series. Against all odds, Pakistan – currently ranked 48th in the world and 6th in Asia – whitewashed their higher-ranked opponent, cementing their status as a rising force in Asian volleyball.
The Shaheens winning a historic silver medal in the Asian Challenge Cup 2024 in Bahrain was another great achievement, considering that the team had never made it to the final of such a renowned regional tournament.
“These victories are not moments of pride but such steps towards higher achievements,” says Chaudhry Muhammad Yaqoob, former Inspector General of Police and chairman of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation, in an exclusive conversation with Jarida Today.
The goals of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation are long-term, and the Federation aims to be one of the best volleyball teams in the world. This broad strategic plan includes finishing on the podium in Asia, vying for the World Championship, participating in the World League, and getting to the Olympics.
“We are working hard to be on the victory stand in the next Asian Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship,” Chaudhry Yaqoob said. The first goal is to enter the top 32 teams in the World Rankings, which is required for participation in the World Championship.
“From there, the objective is to get to the top 16 and subsequently qualify for the Volleyball Nations League, before proceeding further on our way to the Olympics.” Moving forward to the future, the volleyball team is planning for other major events next year, such as the Islamic Games in Riyadh and the Asian Challenge Cup, hosts yet to be decided.
The Pakistan Volleyball Federation also plans to organize a European training camp during which the team would engage in friendly matches with other high-ranked opponents to further prepare for these events. “If we can get enough sponsors, we will take the team to Europe for training like many nations do and play friendly matches against stronger teams,” Chaudhry Yaqoob added.
This exposure would be useful as Pakistan prepares for the next level of its journey towards international success.
Invitation from Russia
Recently, Russia, the former world number one, has shown interest in playing in Pakistan. “Yes, we have got a letter from the Russian Volleyball Federation to play a bilateral series,” he said. This is a great opportunity for Pakistan to play against one of the best nations for volleyball. However, the question of infrastructure looms large.
Despite ambitions to host major tournaments, Pakistan lacks the essential facilities, like air-conditioned venues, to attract world-class events. “If the Liaqat Gymnasium in Islamabad gets air-conditioned this year, we are ready for such events, Chaudhry Yaqoob said. Unlike cricket, which enjoys vast financial backing, volleyball struggles with inadequate funding, limiting its ability to compete internationally and rise in global rankings.
“Our biggest challenge is finance,” he admits. “We have had sponsors such as Engro Corporation and require more corporate houses to board. It is the 2nd most popular sport in the country that can get medals. We believe volleyball has huge marketing potential for sponsors.”
Volleyball league
The Pakistan Volleyball Federation plans to introduce a franchise-based volleyball league in the next few months to tackle some of these challenges. Local and international players will take part in this tournament to help promote Pakistani players and get sponsorship for this league to prepare the national team for the 2028 Olympics. “This league will be a game changer,” Chaudhry Yaqoob explains. “It will enable our players to gain experience, and the revenue generated can be used to fund the national team.”
Foreign exposure has been instrumental to the current improvement in Pakistan volleyball. Star players such as Usman Faryad and Murad Khan Junior have been part of foreign leagues, which has enriched the team’s experience. This is evident with Faryad’s performance for Iranian Club Shahdab Yazd, where he was awarded the Most Valuable Player in the Asian Club Championship.
“We are sending our players abroad to play in top leagues because it’s important for their growth,” Chaudhry Yaqoob continues. “It helps prepare them to compete with the best teams in the world.”
After the exit of Brazilian coach Issanayê Ramires Ferraz, who headed to South Korea, the Pakistan Volleyball Federation has involved 54-year-old Argentine Ruben Wolochin. He has already left a huge mark by leading the side to 13 consecutive victories in 14 matches under him.
“Ruben is improving our team tactically and physically,” says Yaqoob. “Thanks to him, we are turning into a more strong-digging team, and he will lead us to better results for sure.” The government partially funds the Pakistan Volleyball Federation in the form of training camps and some sponsorship for international tours.
“We require more support from the government to move farther,” he underlines. The road to Los Angeles 2028 Olympics is long and challenging, but with unwavering determination, strategic planning, and a growing pool of talent, the Pakistan Volleyball Team is on course to realize one of the nation’s greatest sporting dreams.