By Alam Zeb Safi
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan completed a flawless campaign to win the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Men’s Volleyball Championship 2026, defeating Bangladesh 3-0 in the final before a packed home crowd in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The hosts claimed the title with a 25-20, 25-16, 25-20 victory at the Liaquat Gymnasium in the Pakistan Sports Complex, capping an unbeaten run in which they won all seven matches without dropping a single set.
Pakistan, who entered the final as the tournament’s standout side, dominated with aggressive serving, disciplined blocking and quick attacking play to deny Bangladesh any sustained momentum.
The victory marked a significant achievement for the hosts in the eight-day regional championship organised by the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) under the auspices of the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA). The tournament featured six teams — Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Nepal.
Bangladesh, runners-up after an impressive campaign, attempted to fight back in the third set but Pakistan remained composed in the decisive moments before sealing the championship in straight sets to the delight of thousands of spectators.
Earlier on the final day, Sri Lanka defeated Uzbekistan 3-2 to secure the bronze medal after a closely contested five-set encounter. Sri Lanka won 25-19, lost 22-25, edged the third set 25-23, fell 19-25 in the fourth and prevailed 15-11 in the deciding set.
The final standings saw Pakistan take gold, Bangladesh claim silver and Sri Lanka finish with bronze, while Uzbekistan placed fourth. Kazakhstan and Nepal ended the tournament in fifth and sixth place respectively.
Pakistan’s dominance was also reflected in the individual honours announced during the closing ceremony. Outside hitter Murad Jehan was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) after helping lead the hosts’ unbeaten campaign. Pakistan’s Musawer Khan was selected as one of the tournament’s best middle blockers, while Murad Khan was named the best opposite player.
Bangladesh’s Al Amin MD was recognised as the best setter, Md Naieem Hossen earned selection as middle blocker and libero Md Shaon Ali completed the Dream Team. Sri Lanka’s Tharusha Chamath Dilshan Weerappulige was named the second outside hitter.
Pakistan Volleyball Federation Chairman Ch. Muhammad Yaqoob hailed the triumph as a reflection of the team’s dedication and discipline, congratulating the players, coaching staff and officials on what he described as a historic achievement.
PVF President Sohail Khawar Mir said winning the championship without losing a set highlighted the quality and preparation of the national side, adding that the tournament had strengthened volleyball in the Central Asian region while reinforcing Pakistan’s credentials as a host of international sporting events.
The championship concluded after eight days of competition with Pakistan lifting the trophy in front of home supporters, completing one of the most dominant title-winning performances in the tournament’s history
