The Pakistan men’s volleyball team not only continues to win matches but also steal Japanese hearts as they cruise into the semifinal of the 2026 Asian Games in Okazaki and Komaki, Aichi Prefecture.
The quarterfinals and now the semifinals are all regional affairs for Pakistan, taking on their eastern and western bordering neighbours.
They defeated arch-rivals India with a commanding 3-0 scoreline to pave their way to the last four, where they will meet defending champions, Iran, who will not be an easy team to beat.
However, the Team Leader and the Pakistan Volleyball Federation Director Technical, Naseer Ahmed, argues that none of Pakistan’s matches have been easy, but so far the Men in Green have proven their mettle at the Games.
They defeated India, fashionably, 25-19, 25-23, 25-18, giving a thrilling show to the spectators at the venue and those watching them live.
He highlighted some moments before and after the match against India, a fixture that is usually more intense than others due to traditional rivalry across the sports arena.
“The team was extremely motivated and spirited before the match,” Ahmed told Lost on the Desk from Japan. “The players were confident, and they were up for a good fight.
“Overall, the match was great; it was only during the second set that we saw some resistance from the Indian team, but we covered our weaknesses quickly to claim victory.
“It was a very good day, because the players really enjoyed the game, and the Japanese fans at the venue were encouraging the Pakistani team; they were cheering for us, so it was a very healthy competition and great atmosphere, both before and after our match.”
While the Pakistan volleyball team thrashed India, on the flip side, in the field hockey semifinal, India ended Pakistan’s winning streak with a win to qualify for the final.
But the volleyball team is focused on every team the same way, without fretting about traditional rivalries, since they began their campaign at the Games.
They defeated their Central Asian opponents Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in Pool A matches to qualify for the quarterfinal.
They only lost to the Asian number-one team, Japan, in their last group match, but they played that match like fighters, without missing a beat, and the hosts were only able to snatch the win by the skin of their teeth.
“We weren’t really worried about that match. It was the last group match for a group position; we had already qualified for the quarterfinal.”
Ahmed said that while the encounter with India at any tournament can be more intense compared to other teams, but at the end of the day, they are just another opponent to beat.
Battle for gold
“We aim to take the gold medal,” he emphasised, as the team is coached by Spain’s Luis Alberto Toribio.
“It is important to have our place on the podium; that is the aim,” exclaimed Ahmed, as Pakistan had finished fifth in the 2022 edition of the Games.
“We are here, and we will give our all; our athletes will fight with every ounce of energy in them till the end to ensure we have a podium finish.
“We can beat Iran to reach the final,” he said.
Meanwhile, he also shed some light on the team captain Murad Khan, who scored the most points yet again.
Murad has been our leading scorer; he is also someone who takes responsibility and leads the team by example. He is a natural leader on and off the court,” said Ahmed.
Earlier, Ahmed shared that the team is a good balance of experienced and U19 players, and they are aiming for maximum exposure for the newcomers.
-Fin-