Pakistan’s U-18 boys fall to China in AVC quarter-finals after five-set thriller
By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: Pakistan’s run at the AVC Boys’ U18 Volleyball Championship ended in dramatic fashion on Thursday as the hosts China recovered from two sets down to claim a 3-2 victory in a gripping quarter-final and advance to the last four.
China fought back to win 23-25, 22-25, 25-18, 25-22, 16-14 at the Haikou Wuyuan River Gymnasium, denying Pakistan a place in the semi-finals after one of the tournament’s most closely contested matches.
Pakistan made a confident start, matching China’s physicality with disciplined blocking, aggressive serving and quick attacks. The visitors edged a tense opening set 25-23 before taking the second 25-22, moving within one set of a semi-final berth.
Backed by strong home support, China responded by raising the intensity of their attack and improving their defensive organization. The hosts claimed the third set 25-18 before levelling the match with a 25-22 victory in the fourth.
The deciding set remained evenly balanced throughout, with both teams exchanging points in a tense finish. Pakistan stayed level until the closing stages, but China converted the decisive points to seal a 16-14 win and complete the comeback.
Despite the defeat, Pakistan’s performance drew praise after pushing one of Asia’s strongest youth teams to the limit.
Pakistan entered the knockout stage in impressive form, topping Pool C with a perfect record after straight-set victories over Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Thailand. The team did not drop a set during the group phase and became the first side to secure a quarter-final berth.
Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) Chairman Ch. Muhammad Yaqoob said the result was disappointing but highlighted the team’s progress.
“Although we are disappointed with the result, I am extremely proud of the way our young players fought against the host nation,” he said in a federation statement.
“Coming so close to victory against one of Asia’s strongest teams shows the tremendous potential of Pakistan volleyball. Every player gave his best and represented Pakistan with honour.”
He added that the players had demonstrated character and discipline throughout the championship and urged them to remain focused for the remaining matches.
PVF President Sohail Khawar Mir also praised the squad, saying the defeat should not overshadow its overall performance.
“Today’s result does not define this team,” he said. “They showed incredible courage by taking a 2-0 lead against the host country and fighting until the very last point.”
He also commended the coaching staff and team management for preparing the players to compete against Asia’s leading teams.
Pakistan will now compete in the 5th-8th classification round, where they are scheduled to face Korea on Friday. The team will be aiming to secure the highest possible finishing position after narrowly missing out on the semi-finals.
Although their title challenge has ended, Pakistan’s campaign has underlined the country’s growing competitiveness at youth level.
