Pakistan eye Asian Video games upset

 Pakistan’s males’s volleyball staff are aiming to defy the chances on the Asian Video games in Japan this month, with supervisor and former captain Naseer Ahmed assured the facet can problem stronger opponents and push for a spot within the prime eight.

Pakistan have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Japan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan within the 16-team competitors, which runs from September 26 to October 4.

“Sure, I’m assured that the staff will do effectively,” Naseer informed The Specific Tribune in an interview.

Pakistan face a frightening opening problem in opposition to world quantity six Japan, with the South Asian facet ranked thirty eighth globally.

“Little doubt Japan is a a lot better facet however we’ll attempt to beat them,” mentioned Naseer, a former Pakistan captain.

Whereas Pakistan are unlikely to enter the match as medal contenders, Naseer believes the staff has sufficient expertise and high quality to spring surprises.

“Positively it will likely be our goal to problem them (Japan). If we fail there then we are able to beat Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan which is able to assist us transfer to the highest eight,” he mentioned.

“Then we’ll look how we ship in opposition to robust sides in that section.”

Pakistan squad features a sturdy core of gamers who featured on the 2023 Asian Video games in Hangzhou, the place the staff completed fifth.

Round 9 members of that squad are anticipated to return for the Japan marketing campaign, whereas three kids have additionally been included, additionally comprising an Below-19 setter and a center blocker.

The match will present a serious check for Spanish head coach Luis Alberto, who has been working with the nationwide facet for the previous few months alongside fellow Spaniard Ruiz Pablo, the staff’s coach and conditioning coach.

“The boys have been coaching for 4 hours every day in two periods. They’ve been underneath coaching for the final one and a half months,” Naseer mentioned.

The staff held a coaching camp at Wah Cantt from August 5 to August 20 earlier than shifting to Liaquat Gymnasium, the place preparations are persevering with.

Naseer, who additionally serves as Director Technical of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation, mentioned the teaching workers had been working intensively to organize the gamers for the demanding match.

“Alberto is an efficient coach and is working more durable on the boys and I hope a greater lot might be ready,” he mentioned.

Eighteen gamers are at the moment in camp, with the ultimate 12-member squad anticipated to be introduced quickly for the journey to Japan.

Nevertheless, preparations have confronted a minor services concern, with air-conditioning models at Liaquat Gymnasium not but operational regardless of having been put in.

Though temperatures in Islamabad have begun to ease, operating the air-conditioning stays vital throughout intensive coaching periods, significantly as gamers put together for demanding Asian Video games.

Pakistan’s greatest volleyball end in Asian Video games historical past got here in 1962, after they gained the bronze medal in Jakarta.

The staff will now try and revive a few of that aggressive spirit.

Native coaches Saeed Ahmad and Kashif Maznoor are helping Alberto throughout the preparations.

Naseer mentioned Pakistan Sports activities Board would finance 14 members of the squad, whereas the remaining 4 can be funded by the Pakistan Volleyball Federation.

Group B includes Iran, Indonesia, Thailand and Kyrgyzstan, whereas Qatar, India, Vietnam and Hong Kong make up Group C. Group D options Korea, China, Chinese language Taipei and the Philippines.

For Pakistan, the quick goal is evident and hat is to compete with Japan, safe victories in opposition to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and attain the highest eight.

With an skilled core, a handful of promising kids and a brand new teaching regime, Naseer believes Pakistan can flip their underdog standing into a chance.