Pakistan thrash Iran, win Asian U16 Volleyball title first time

(Web Desk): The Pakistan Under-16 volleyball team created history by defeating defending champions Iran to win the Asian U-16 Volleyball Championship for the first time.

In a thrilling final held in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, both teams put up a fierce contest, refusing to back down at any stage. However, Pakistan ultimately emerged as the superior side.

Iran took the first two sets with scores of 25-22 and 25-21. In the third set, Pakistan led 17-11 at one point, but Iran mounted a strong comeback, leveling the score at 24-24. After a series of nail-biting match points from both sides, Pakistan edged out Iran 30-28 to keep their hopes alive.

In the fourth set, Pakistan applied pressure from the start. Despite Iran’s resistance, Pakistan clinched the set 25-21, leveling the match at two sets apiece.

In the decisive fifth set, the Pakistani players didn’t allow Iran to close the gap, winning the set 15-10 and securing a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory. The players fell to the court in prostration to celebrate the triumph.

The match lasted two hours and seven minutes, with set scores of 22-25, 21-25, 30-28, 25-21, and 15-10 in Pakistan’s favor, showcasing the team’s nerves of steel.

For Pakistan, Muhammad Junaid and Faizanullah delivered outstanding performances. Junaid scored 28 points, including 24 attack points, while Faizanullah contributed 22 points, including 18 attacks and 4 blocks.