ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will host Russia’s U19 Volleyball team for a three-match series in the April-May window ahead of the FIVB Boys’ U19 World Championship, slated to be held in Tashkent from July 24 to August 3.
According to a report, the Russian Volleyball Federation expressed interest to compete with the green shirts. As a result, the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) invited their U19 team for a three-match series, which is considered to be played at the start of the next summer here.
"Although there is a huge gap in volleyball standard between the two nations but at the under-19 level Pakistan will fight and it will help us prepare for the World Championship,” a PVF official was quoted in the report.
"Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has pledged to address the cooling system of the Liaquat Gymnasium in Islamabad. If it is done then the series between the two nations will be held there,” the statement added.
For the unversed, this will be the first instance that a Russian volleyball team is touring Pakistan.
The move is a part of Russia’s efforts to keep their different sports teams engaged amid the international sanctions proposed on the country for allegedly invading Ukraine.
It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan has emerged as a rising force in the sport, the highlight of which was their senior team’s clean sweep 3-0 victory over in a home series against Australia, which was a part of their preparation for the Asian Championship.
In addition, Pakistan Under-18 team claimed bronze at the 15th Asian Men’s Under-18 Volleyball Championship in Manama in August.
Report further revealed that the PVF has also contacted the PSB to arrange a camp for the junior team to prepare for the World Championship in Tashkent in July 2025
