NAKHON PATHOM: In a historic moment for Pakistan’s sports, the national U16 volleyball team pulled off an extraordinary comeback to defeat defending champions Iran 3-2 in the final of the Asian Men’s U16 Volleyball Championship 2025, held at the Nakhon Pathom Gymnasium in Thailand.
This sensational victory not only sealed Pakistan’s first-ever title in the tournament’s history but also cemented their status as a rising power in Asian volleyball.
The final began with Iran asserting their dominance, capturing the first two sets with scores of 25-22 and 25-21. With the defending champions looking poised to retain their crown, Pakistan faced the daunting task of overturning a two-set deficit—a challenge few teams have managed against a powerhouse like Iran.
However, led by the indomitable spirit of star players Muhammad Junaid and Faizan Ullah, the Green Shirts mounted a spirited fightback. In a nail-biting third set, Pakistan edged out Iran 30-28, reigniting hopes of a comeback. The momentum shifted decisively as Pakistan clinched the fourth set 25-21, leveling the match at 2-2 and setting up a dramatic final set.
Riding the wave of confidence and support, Pakistan dominated the decider, sealing the championship with a 15-10 scoreline in the fifth set. The 3-2 final score—22-25, 21-25, 30-28, 25-21, 15-10—marked an unforgettable triumph against all odds.
Pakistan’s road to glory had been nothing short of perfect. They launched their campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over South Korea, followed by commanding straight-set wins against Saudi Arabia and Chinese Taipei in the group stage. The squad remained undefeated through the crossover rounds, toppling Indonesia in straight sets.
The semi-final clash against arch-rivals India proved to be a defining moment, with Pakistan dominating every facet of the game. They dismantled India 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-12) in a one-sided encounter that highlighted the team’s tactical discipline, powerful attacks, and cohesive teamwork.
This championship win is being hailed as a milestone for Pakistan’s volleyball, with the young squad demonstrating resilience, talent, and composure beyond their years. It also reflects the growing potential and investment in youth sports development in the country.
The victory over Iran, widely regarded as the strongest side in the tournament, underscores Pakistan’s readiness to compete with Asia’s best. With a flawless tournament run, Pakistan’s U16 volleyball team has now earned both continental glory and a place in the hearts of sports fans back home.
