On July 20, 2025, in the heart of Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, a new chapter was written in Pakistan’s sporting history. The national Under-16 men’s volleyball team pulled off the unthinkable, defeating powerhouse Iran in a nerve-shredding five-set final to claim their maiden Asian U-16 Volleyball Championship title.
It was a comeback for the ages: from two sets down to an electric 3-2 victory, Pakistan’s young gladiators showed resilience, belief, and unshakable unity. This victory wasn’t just about winning gold. It was about rewriting narratives, breaking ceilings, and reminding a cricket-obsessed nation that Pakistan’s sporting excellence knows no boundaries.
Yet, even as flower petals rained down on the heroes returning to Bannu and Lahore, one truth echoes louder than celebratory drums, this victory must not be a fleeting moment of joy. It must be the foundation for something bigger: the creation of a Professional Volleyball League in Pakistan
Let’s not underestimate what these boys accomplished. Iran is no pushover in Asian volleyball; they’re the benchmark. Winning against them is akin to defeating Brazil in football, Germany in hockey or Australia in cricket. The Pakistani team, led by the sheer brilliance of MVP Faizan Ullah, the power of Junaid and Wahab, and the tactical genius of coach Kafait Ullah, displayed maturity beyond their years.
Their comeback, from 22-25 and 21-25 deficits to eventually clinching it 30-28, 25-21, 15-10, was a display of nerves and belief we rarely associate with Pakistan sports under pressure. They didn’t just win a match. They earned Pakistan a place at the 2026 FIVB U-17 World Championship and ignited a flame of hope across the country.
The Pakistan Sports Board rightly announced a Rs 8.2 million cash reward. Social media erupted in joy. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi posted a heartfelt message. Bannu celebrated with drums. Yet after the dust of celebration settles, the reality remains: Pakistan volleyball has no structure, no league, and barely enough resources.
This isn’t the first time Pakistan volleyball has touched glory. But history has shown that without investment and continuity, moments of magic fade into obscurity. The PVF (Pakistan Volleyball Federation) has done well with what little it has, but it’s not enough. The time for symbolic support is over. The time for structural change is now.
Why Pakistan
desperately needs a
Pro Volleyball League
A professional volleyball league isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Look at Iran. Look at Japan. Look at how leagues in Turkey, Brazil, and Italy have transformed raw youth into world-class athletes.
A LEAGUE OFFERS: Consistent match experience for young players. Financial security that motivates talent from small towns like Bannu, Peshawar, or Sialkot. Scouting pathways for international contracts. Media attention and sponsorships, critical for sustaining popularity. And most importantly, a volleyball culture that isn’t just built on occasional success but institutional strength. Pakistan has the talent. It has the fans. It even has the infrastructure in parts of Punjab and KP. What it needs now is vision, and bold action.
The government and private sector must step in
The state must make volleyball a tier-1 sport. PSL changed the fate of Pakistan cricket; volleyball is no different. What we need is a Pakistan Volleyball Super League (PVSL), even if it starts small, four to six franchises, city-based, with youth quotas and international players.
Let the Ministry for Inter-Provincial Coordination, the PVF, and the PSB sit at the same table with private sponsors. Bring in retired legends as coaches. Involve the armed forces, who already play a big role in Pakistan’s volleyball setup. Use schools and colleges as feeder circuits.
Start now, and by the time this U-16 team graduates, they’ll have a world-class league to play in. Without this, we risk wasting this golden generation.
From Bannu to the world
The story of this team is also a story of untapped Pakistan. Junaid and Walid being welcomed home like war heroes in Bannu is a reminder that sports aren’t just games, they’re engines of pride, unity, and even peace. These boys didn’t just bring home a trophy; they brought a message: invest in us, believe in us, and we’ll conquer the world.
Let’s not wait for another golden generation to rise and fall in silence. Let’s give Pakistan volleyball the spotlight, the structure, and the stage it deserves. Because when talent meets opportunity, history is made.
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