Pakistan to Face Sri Lanka in Opening Match of CAVA Men’s Volleyball Championship
The Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Men’s Volleyball Championship 2026 is set to begin on Wednesday at the Liaqat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad, with hosts Pakistan taking on Sri Lanka in the opening match.
The tournament will continue until July 29, featuring national teams from across the Central Asian region.
Tournament Schedule
Following the opening match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the day’s fixtures include:
- Kazakhstan vs Nepal
- Uzbekistan vs Bangladesh
The championship is expected to showcase competitive volleyball while promoting regional sportsmanship and cooperation.
India Withdraws Before Tournament
The Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) confirmed that India withdrew from the tournament before its start, despite initially confirming its participation.
PVF Chairman Chaudhary Mohammad Yaqoob said the federation had completed the necessary arrangements, including documentation and security measures, to facilitate India’s participation. However, the team did not travel to Pakistan.
Pakistan Ready to Host International Event
Speaking during the trophy unveiling ceremony, Chaudhary Mohammad Yaqoob welcomed the participating teams and officials. He expressed confidence that the championship would provide exciting volleyball action while strengthening sporting ties among the participating countries.
He also said the event reflects Pakistan’s continued efforts to host international sporting competitions and welcomed volleyball fans to support the teams throughout the tournament.
Afghanistan’s Participation Uncertain
Afghanistan’s participation remained uncertain ahead of the opening day due to documentation-related issues.
Officials said the team had not yet arrived in Islamabad, making its participation in the championship unclear. If the situation remains unchanged, the tournament is expected to begin with six participating teams.
The CAVA Men’s Volleyball Championship is one of the region’s major volleyball events and provides an opportunity for teams to compete at the international level while encouraging the development of the sport across Central Asia.
