Pakistan’s men’s volleyball team delivered a commanding performance on Thursday, sweeping arch-rivals India 3-0 in the quarter-finals of the Asian Games to secure a coveted semi-final berth and reignite national sporting pride.
The Green Shirts dismantled India with set scores of 25-19, 25-23, and 25-18 at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium in Japan, completing the victory in one hour and 20 minutes. The triumph marked Pakistan’s second consecutive Asian Games win over India in volleyball, cementing their regional superiority in the sport.
Murad Khan emerged as the architect of Pakistan’s success, delivering a match-high 22 points that left Indian defenders scrambling. Khan’s attacking prowess was on full display as he hammered home 21 spike points and added another through service. Supporting roles came from Usman Faryad Ali with nine points, Mohammad Hamad with eight, and Musawir Khan contributing seven.
Pakistan, ranked 39th globally compared to India’s 49th position, seized control from the opening whistle. The first set saw the Green Shirts establish early dominance, closing out 25-19 in 23 minutes as India struggled to mount effective resistance.
The second set provided the match’s most dramatic moments. India twice built three-point advantages, leading 16-13 and later 19-16, only to watch Pakistan claw back both times. The resilience of the Pakistani squad shone through as they leveled at 16-16, then again after falling behind. Pakistan reached set point at 24-22, and though India saved one opportunity, the Green Shirts converted their second chance to take the set 25-23 after a grueling 34-minute battle.
With momentum firmly in their grasp, Pakistan dominated the decisive third set. They surged to a 14-9 lead before extending it to 17-10, leaving India chasing shadows. The Indian side saved two match points at 24-16, but Pakistan’s determination proved unstoppable as they sealed victory 25-18 in 25 minutes.
Statistically, Pakistan’s superiority was evident across the board. The team accumulated 75 total points to India’s 60, with 50 spike points compared to India’s 33. Pakistan also edged the blocking battle, recording six points to India’s four.
The victory ended India’s unbeaten run at the tournament. India had entered the quarter-final with confidence after straight-set victories over Vietnam and Hong Kong, plus a hard-fought five-set win against Qatar. Pakistan, meanwhile, had navigated a challenging Pool A campaign, defeating Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan before falling to hosts Japan and finishing as runners-up in their group.
The semi-final berth keeps Pakistan’s medal dreams alive and delivers a morale-boosting triumph for a nation that cherishes victories over India in any sporting arena. The team will now prepare for their semi-final clash with renewed confidence and the backing of millions of jubilant supporters back home.
Despite earlier complaints from Pakistan captain Murad Jehan about logistical challenges at the Games—including transportation mishaps and food availability issues—the team’s focus remained unshaken when it mattered most, producing a performance that will be remembered as one of Pakistani volleyball’s finest hours.
