Murad Khan led Pakistan’s scoring with 21 points, including 17 successful spikes and four blocks.

Photo: PVF

Pakistan made a winning start to the men’s volleyball competition at the 20th Asian Games on Sunday, defeating Kazakhstan 3-1 in their Pool A opener at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium.

Pakistan secured victory with set scores of 25-16, 25-22, 17-25 and 25-20 in a match that lasted one hour and 26 minutes.

Pakistan U-nder 17 Volleyball Team Takes Control Early

Pakistan dominated the opening two sets, winning the first 25-16 before taking the second 25-22 to establish a strong advantage.

Kazakhstan responded strongly in the third set and reduced the deficit by winning 25-17. Pakistan, however, regained control in the fourth set and closed out the match 25-20.

Murad Khan led Pakistan’s scoring with 21 points, including 17 successful spikes and four blocks.

Usman Faryad Ali contributed 14 points, while Murad Jehan added 11 as Pakistan produced an effective attacking display throughout the contest.

Pakistan scored 55 points through spikes compared with Kazakhstan’s 48. The two sides also registered different blocking success rates, with Pakistan converting 13 per cent of 56 blocking attempts and Kazakhstan recording 23 per cent from 44 attempts.

Pakistan Target Uzbekistan and Japan Wins

Pakistan team manager and former captain Naseer Ahmed said the team could have completed the match in straight sets.

“We should have won 3-0,” Naseer said, adding that the players eased off after winning the opening two sets, allowing Kazakhstan to take advantage in the third.

He expressed confidence ahead of Pakistan’s next two matches against Uzbekistan and Japan.

Pakistan will face Uzbekistan on Monday before taking on hosts Japan on Tuesday.

Asian Games Volleyball Competition

A total of 16 teams are competing in the men’s volleyball event, divided into four pools.

Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Japan are placed in Pool A.

Pool B: Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia and Thailand.

Pool C: Qatar, Hong Kong, India and Vietnam.

Pool D: Korea, Philippines, China and Chinese Taipei.

The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the quarter-finals, scheduled for October 1.

The semi-finals will be played on October 2, while the final and bronze-medal match are scheduled for October 3.