Nakhon Pathom, Thailand – In a thrilling comeback, Pakistan’s Under-16 volleyball team defeated defending champions Iran 3-2 to claim the Asian U16 Volleyball Championship title and make history. With this victory, Pakistan secured the gold medal, while Iran had to settle for silver.
Match Highlights
Despite losing the first two sets, Pakistan showed remarkable resilience, winning the next three sets in a row:
- 1st Set: Iran won 22-25
- 2nd Set: Iran extended the lead with a 21-25 win
- 3rd Set: Pakistan bounced back, taking it 28-30
- 4th Set: Pakistan leveled the match with a 21-25 win
- 5th Set: Pakistan dominated 10-15 to seal the victory
This was Pakistan’s second win over Iran in the tournament.
Unbeaten Champions
With this final victory, Pakistan remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, showcasing exceptional skill and teamwork.
In the semi-finals, Pakistan defeated arch-rivals India 3-0, while Iran beat Japan 3-0 to reach the final.
Qualification for World U17 Championship
By winning the Asian title, Pakistan has also qualified for the 2026 World U17 Volleyball Championship, marking another milestone for the nation.
Road to Victory
Pakistan topped Group D, defeating South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Chinese Taipei. They then overcame Indonesia in the quarter-finals and again beat Iran to reach the final four.
