Pakistan have been drawn in Group A with hosts Japan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan for the 16-team tournament, which will run from September 26 to October 4.

Team manager and former captain Naseer Ahmed remains confident about Pakistan’s chances. He believes the squad has enough experience to compete against higher-ranked teams.

“Yes, I am confident that the team will do well,” Naseer told The Express Tribune.

Pakistan will face a major test in their opening match against Japan. The hosts are ranked sixth in the world, while Pakistan sit at 38th.

“No doubt Japan is a much better side but we will try to beat them,” Naseer said.

Pakistan Aim to Challenge Japan

Naseer has set Japan as the first major target for the team. He also believes Pakistan can beat Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan if they perform at their best.

“Definitely it will be our target to challenge them,” he said. “If we fail there, then we can beat Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which will help us move to the top eight.”

Pakistan finished fifth at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Around nine players from that squad are expected to return for the Japan campaign.

The team has also added three young players. The group includes an Under-19 setter and a middle blocker, giving the squad a mix of experience and youth.

Intensive Training Under Spanish Coach

Spanish head coach Luis Alberto has been working with the national team for several months. Fellow Spaniard Ruiz Pablo is serving as the trainer and conditioning coach.

The players have followed an intensive training schedule during their preparations.

“The boys have been training for four hours daily in two sessions,” Naseer said. “They have been under training for the last one and a half months.”

Pakistan held a training camp at Wah Cantt from August 5 to August 20. The squad then moved to Liaquat Gymnasium, where preparations are continuing.

Local coaches Saeed Ahmad and Kashif Maznoor are also assisting Alberto.

Naseer, who also serves as Director Technical of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation, praised the coaching staff for their efforts.

“Alberto is a good coach and is working harder on the boys and I hope a better lot will be prepared,” he said.

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Experienced Core Gets Youthful Boost

Eighteen players are currently training in camp. The final 12-member squad is expected to be announced soon.

However, the team has faced a facilities issue at Liaquat Gymnasium. Air-conditioning units have been installed but remain out of operation.

Although temperatures in Islamabad have started to fall, proper cooling remains important during long and demanding training sessions.

Pakistan’s best result in Asian Games volleyball came in 1962. The team won a bronze medal in Jakarta.

The current squad will now look to build on that history and produce another strong Asian Games campaign.

Pakistan Target Top Eight

Naseer said the Pakistan Sports Board will finance 14 members of the squad. The Pakistan Volleyball Federation will cover the remaining four members.

Group B includes Iran, Indonesia, Thailand and Kyrgyzstan. Group C features Qatar, India, Vietnam and Hong Kong.

Group D consists of Korea, China, Chinese Taipei and the Philippines.

For Pakistan, the immediate target is straightforward. The team wants to challenge Japan, defeat Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and secure a place in the top eight.

With experienced players, promising youngsters and a new coaching setup, Pakistan will enter the tournament as underdogs. Naseer believes that status could work in the team’s favour.