Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) here made a historic announcement to host a 5-nation volleyball tournament to be held under the governing banner of Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA). The event marks the end of a 17-year gap since the last time an international volleyball championship was held in Pakistan. The tourney that begins on 24th November will feature Iran, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Iran who are ranked number one in CAVA zonal rankings while host’s Pakistan are one step behind, ranked two. All matches of the championship will be played at Sports Hall, Punjab Sports Complex opposite Gaddafi Stadium. Nomenclature of the tournament is “Engro Central Asian Volleyball Championship powered by Jazz”.
The event hosted at Ramada Hotel, unveiled the coveted trophy of the tournament alongside five competing captains and PVF officials. President PVF, Chaudhary Muhammad Yaqoob expressed his immense delight on the success of his federation and its attempts to project Pakistan volleyball again on world map. “This tournament marks the end of a huge hiatus of international volleyball stars coming to Pakistan and begins a new chapter that will enthrall thousands of fans of this sport in this country, to witness exciting matches live in Lahore. I take this opportunity to thank our valuable sponsors who have stood by us through thick and thin by promoting volleyball at all levels. My most honorable mention of gratitude to Engro and its partnership with us through Engro Volleyball Development Program, which has resulted in bringing a tournament of such magnitude into Pakistan. For years we are indebted to Trans Group who have organized and broadcasted our events globally with huge success resulting in great viewership towards the sport.”
Rao Omar Hashim Khan, Group Director Trans Group added that “Volleyball has a been passionate sport of this nation through all seasons and ages. Being Pakistan’s biggest sports marketing and production company, it was this enthusiasm that resulted us in broadcasting all of PVFs national championships since 2018. We are delighted to be a part of this historic championship and will aim to bring volleyball in Pakistan to a global audience.”
The advertising and marketing rights of this momentous event are acquired by Blitz Advertising. Speaking over the event, Chairman Blitz Advertising Private Limited, Raihan Merchant stated that “Pakistan is a sports loving nation and we aim to project our passion beyond cricket, into other sports. Blitz and volleyball have been partners in promoting the sport at national level since many years and taking this a leap further brings me great delight.”
