Sports Bulletin

Hosts Pakistani spikers outclass Turkmenistan 3-1 in a well-contest 4 games matchAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan posted third back-to-back victories in the Central Asian Volleyball League (CAVL) after thrashing Turkmenistan 3-1 in a four-game thriller at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Monday. Pakistani spikers have defeated Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in their first two fixtures at the same venue.On Monday, in the last match, Pakistani players toiled hard on the court to overcome heavyweights in a nail and bite all four games. Green Shirts did well and exhibited top-class games to get the upper hand in the match by earning a 1-0 lead after finishing the game at 25-23, as at one stage the game was leveled 19-19 and 20-20. Visitor team Turkmenistan bounced back in the match after claiming the second game after conceding 21 points.There was tough competition in the next two games, as the spikers of both teams were not ready to bow out from the court. Finally, Pakistan overcame their opponents in 3rd and 4th games on tie-beak, as the final score-line was 25-23, 21-25,26-24, and 27-25. Pakistan will take on Kazakstan in their next match on Wednesday (May 15, 2024) at the same venue.Results (Day-III):Sir Lanka beat Afghanistan (3-0) 25-19, 25-20, 25-14Kyrgyzstan beat Iran (3-0) 27-25, 25-23, 25-19Pakistan beat Turkmenistan (3-1) 25-23, 21-25,26-24, 27-25Names of Pakistan Squad: Mohammad Hamid, Waleed Khan, Usman Faryad Ali, Aimal Khan, Fakhar-ud-Din, Murad Khan, Mohammad Kashif Naveed, Abdul Zaheer, Murad Jehan, Afaq Khan, Musawer Khan, Nasir Ali, Ali Haider, Mohammad Yasin.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): Volleyball World and FIVB announced India as the host nation for the Men’s Club World Championships for two years in partnership with the RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23, India’s top professional volleyball league. As the host nation, the winners of the RuPay Prime Volleyball League in 2023 and 2024 will represent India in the tournaments, where they will face fierce competition against established clubs from the top volleyball nations from around the globe like Italy, Brazil, Iran etc.   The championships will be staged between December 6 and 10, 2023. The host city will be announced later this year. The tournament brings the best of international volleyball to India, where the sport is seeing a meteoric rise since the commencement of the RuPay Prime Volleyball League in 2022. For over 20 years, the Volleyball Club World Championships have featured the best men’s professional clubs from around the world, competing for the title of World Champions and a share of over USD 350,000 in prize money.  The FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F° said: "The FIVB is delighted to bring the best of men’s club volleyball to India for the first time ever! With the top clubs in the world, including the host nation, taking part, fans in India and around the world can be assured of thrilling volleyball action and incredible athlete performances." "We are thrilled to have the Club World Champs being held for the first time in the subcontinent,” said Finn Taylor - CEO of Volleyball World. "This tournament is known for its exciting and competitive matches, and we are delighted to give fans in India, and around the world, via Volleyball World TV, the opportunity to watch the best clubs and athletes compete at the highest level."  Tuhin Mishra, Managing Director & Co-Founder, Baseline Ventures and Co-Promoter of RuPay Prime Volleyball League said: “It’s a historic moment for Indian sport. For the first time in a truly global sport, the best athletes from around the world will come down to India to showcase their talent and our Indian players will get a chance to compete against them. This is in line with our mission to help the Indian volleyball team qualify for the 2028 Olympics and a global event which will be held for consecutive years in India will provide the perfect platform and exposure for our players.”  Thomas Muthoot, owner of Kochi Blue Spikers and Chairman of the Prime Volleyball League board said: “This is a great news for our League as it will encourage every team in the RuPay Prime Volleyball League to give their best so that they can play at the Club World Championships.”