By our correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will kick off its campaign against Sri Lanka in the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Men’s Volleyball Championship 2026 starting from today (Wednesday) the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad following India’s last-minute withdrawal from the tournament despite receiving comprehensive security assurances.

Speaking to the media after the championship’s trophy unveiling ceremony, Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) Chairman Chaudhry Mohammad Yaqoob expressed disappointment over India’s decision to pull out of the event. “We are surprised by India’s withdrawal after all necessary arrangements had been completed. At their request, the federation, in coordination with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) and other relevant government departments, secured all required NOCs and comprehensive security guarantees to ensure the Indian team’s safe participation in Islamabad,” he said.

Despite India’s withdrawal, Yaqoob said the championship remains one of the biggest international volleyball events ever hosted in Pakistan and reflects the country’s growing stature as a safe and capable destination for international sports.

Organised by the Pakistan Volleyball Federation under the auspices of the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA), the championship will be hed on 29 July feature teams from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan.

The opening day will feature three matches, with hosts Pakistan taking on Sri Lanka in the curtain-raiser, while Kazakhstan will face Nepal and Uzbekistan will meet Bangladesh.

The Pakistan Volleyball Federation has extended a warm welcome to all participating teams, officials and delegates, stating that comprehensive arrangements have been made to ensure the successful staging of the regional showpiece, which aims to promote volleyball, regional friendship and sporting excellence.