WEBDESK: India has decided to pull out of the upcoming Central Asian Volleyball Championship, which is set to take place in Islamabad from May 28 to June 4, 2025. This decision follows increasing political tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.
The Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) had initially submitted entries for a 30-member contingent – comprising 22 players and eight support staff – to the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF), organizers of the regional tournament.
However, India’s Union Sports Ministry advised the federation to pull out in protest of attack in Pahalgam, IIOJK, which left 26 people dead.
Despite India’s withdrawal, the Central Asian Volleyball Championship will still proceed with participants from Pakistan, Iran, and two other Central Asian nations. The tournament will be held at the Liaquat Gymnasium in Islamabad, a venue where Pakistan successfully hosted the event in 2024, securing the championship by defeating Turkmenistan.
India’s absence at the Central Asian Volleyball Championship is a significant development, though the country’s recent performances in regional volleyball competitions have been underwhelming. In the 2023 Asian Men’s Volleyball Championship, India finished 11th, while their women’s team secured 7th place.
Pakistan had recently expelled 23 Indian nationals who were working for a Pakistan Super League broadcast partner. The Indian staff were part of a technical team contracted by a broadcast company to cover the 10th edition of the HBL PSL, which began on April 11 and is scheduled to run until May 18.
This diplomatic move was another response to the Pahalgam attack, further escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
The Central Asian Volleyball Championship, although impacted by India’s decision, will continue as planned, with Pakistan aiming to defend its title.
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