Pakistan made a winning start to the FIVB Boys Under-17 World Championship in Doha on Thursday, sweeping Chinese Taipei 3-0 in their opening Pool E match.
Pakistan, competing alongside Iran, Chinese Taipei and Algeria, produced a disciplined performance to seal 25-20, 25-10, 25-23 victory and immediately put themselves in a strong position in the group.
The Pakistani side took control early, using strong serving, effective blocking and aggressive attacking to keep Chinese Taipei under pressure. After securing the opening set 25-20, Pakistan dominated the second, conceding just ten points.
Chinese Taipei responded in the third set and stayed within reach for much of the contest, but Pakistan held its composure in the closing stages to win 25-23 and complete the straight-set victory.
Faizan Ullah, Fahad Ali and Muhammad Irfan were among Pakistan’s standout performers, making important contributions in attack, service, blocking and all-round team play.
The result provided Pakistan with a confident start at the global youth tournament and underlined the team’s preparation for a demanding Pool E campaign.
Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) chairman Chaudhry Muhammad Yaqoob congratulated the players, coaching staff and team management, describing the victory as a reflection of the team’s hard work, discipline and preparation.
He urged the players to remain focused, saying the victory was only the beginning of their World Championship campaign and that the competition would become increasingly demanding.
“The entire nation is proud of our young boys,” Yaqoob said, adding that he hoped the team would continue to represent Pakistan with unity and determination.
Pakistan’s next test comes against regional rivals Iran on Friday with the match scheduled for 4pm.
The encounter will provide a much sterner examination of Pakistan’s credentials as both teams seek to strengthen their position in Pool E.