Pakistan volleyball: On the rise despite all odds

Pakistan's volleyball team has been on a promising trajectory, with impressive results in recent international competitions.

The highlight of this resurgence was undoubtedly the team's stellar performance at the AVC Nations Cup in Manama, Bahrain, where they secured a commendable second-place finish. Notably, Pakistan's 3-0 victory over strong opponents Qatar in the semi-finals showcased the team's potential, although they ultimately fell short against Bahrain in the final, losing 3-1.

While these developments appear encouraging, a closer look reveals that the federation still faces significant challenges. Several key areas remain neglected, and addressing these shortcomings will be crucial to sustaining the team's momentum and achieving long-term success.

After contacting various sources, it has been learnt that players don’t get the financial backing they deserve. They are not given daily allowances during the national camps and on foreign tours. Even if they do get it, it’s just a nominal amount of around Rs10,000 to Rs15,000.

Nukta has also learnt that a player even did not opt to become part of the national team recently because he knew that instead of getting any financial relief it will rather put pressure on his pocket.

Key players, particularly those competing in professional leagues, often supplement their diets with personal resources during national camps to maintain peak energy levels. However, players without similar financial means rely solely on the standard diet provided by the federation or state.

Matter of great concern

Recent training camps in Islamabad posed significant challenges for the players, who were forced to train in sweltering temperatures of around 45 degrees Celsius within the non-air-conditioned Liaquat Gymnasium. Sources revealed that even casual visitors couldn't withstand the heat for more than 10 minutes, raising concerns about the players' ability to cope with such extreme conditions while preparing for the Asian meet.

Sources said that a major department Army usually does not issue NOC to their players for foreign leagues and federation must look into this case which is a matter of great concern.

Normally players get around Rs70,000 salary from their departments and within this salary bracket it is not easy for them to meet even their playing demands. They also will need to serve their families financially so, instead of preparing for the national team and wearing national color, some good players prefer to play local tournaments which benefit them financially.

But having said that, there are a handful of top players who earn money through professional leagues and their income ranges from Rs3 million to Rs10 million a season.

The other big issue which volleyball is facing is that there is no league in the country. The world’s volleyball structure is that for six months international events are held while for six months players play leagues. As there is no league in Pakistan, so it’s always tough to get the required talent for the national duty. Sources said that without league players are forced to go to their local tournaments where their standard get down which leaves a bad impact on the overall volleyball growth.

Sources also revealed that volleyballers also manage their own treatment when they get injured. The Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) needs to seek some sponsors for the team so that they could offer contracts to the top players as has been managed by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).

“If there are sponsors for hockey why volleyball cannot get the same as Pakistan has pulled off good performances in the sport in Asia recently,” a source said.

Sources admitted that there is an immense talent in Pakistan in volleyball but stressed that the world has changed now and without offering top facilities to the players it’s always difficult to achieve major success.