Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, July 19, 2025 – Pakistan reached the pinnacle of Asian youth volleyball in spectacular fashion on Saturday, storming back from the brink to stun reigning champions Iran in a pulsating five-set showdown and capture their maiden title at the Asian Men’s U16 Volleyball Championship Thailand 2025 at the Nakhon Pathom Gymnasium.
Unbeaten throughout the tournament, Pakistan displayed nerves of steel and unyielding determination after falling two sets behind, turning the tide to clinch a dramatic 3-2 victory (22-25, 21-25, 30-28, 25-21, 15-10) in a final brimming with passion, pressure, and poise.
The triumph not only crowned Pakistan as the new kings of Asian U16 volleyball but also marked their second consecutive win over Iran in the same competition, having already bested the continental powerhouses 3-1 in the 1-8 Classification Round Pool F.
Muhammad Junaid was the driving force behind Pakistan’s charge, hammering down a match-high 28 points, including 24 powerful attacks and four blocks. Faizan Ullah, who would later be crowned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, chipped in with 22 points, while Muhammad Talha Mehar added nine. For Iran, Azhvan Namazi delivered a valiant effort with 24 points from 40 swings.
Despite Iran outshining their rivals in attacks (65–60) and service aces (8–2), it was Pakistan’s resilience at the net, scoring 15 stuff blocks to Iran’s 10, and their ability to capitalize on Iranian errors (36 to 26) that tilted the scales.
Pakistan’s road to glory was nothing short of remarkable. They opened their campaign with a commanding 3-0 rout of Korea and maintained that momentum with another clean sweep over Saudi Arabia. Their supremacy continued with a straight-sets victory against Chinese Taipei, bronze medallists from both the previous edition and last year’s FIVB U17 World Championship in Bulgaria.
In the next stages, they dispatched Indonesia 3-0 and repeated their dominance over Iran in Pool F before powering past India with a 3-0 masterclass in the semifinals, sealing their spot in the gold medal match.
This historic triumph has etched Pakistan’s name in the record books and sent ripples of pride across the nation. Their journey was a testament to tireless teamwork, unwavering discipline, and the behind-the-scenes dedication of the coaching staff, all culminating in this crowning achievement.
India also made headlines on Saturday, bagging their first-ever medal in tournament history after holding off Japan in a nerve-racking bronze-medal duel. In a match that ebbed and flowed with intensity, India emerged triumphant in five sets (25-21, 12-25, 25-23, 18-25, 15-10), turning the tables on their earlier 1-3 loss to the same opponents in Pool E.
Abdulla Abdulla top-scored for India with 16 points, supported ably by Apratim Bhadauriya (15 points) and Rafik Ahmad (12). Japan’s valiant efforts were led by Hayato Konishide with a match-high 23 points and Junya Tezuka with 21, but it was not enough to secure a podium finish.
As the championship also served as the Asian qualification tournament for the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship, the top four finishers – Pakistan, Iran, India, and Japan, booked their tickets to next year’s global stage.
Indonesia edged Uzbekistan, silver medallists from the previous edition, in a nail-biting five-set contest (25-21, 16-25, 25-14, 23-25, 16-14) to claim fifth place. Raka Sri Prasetyo and Bayu Pamungkas shone with 23 and 22 points respectively, while Khakim Begimkulov scored a match-high 26 points in a losing cause.
Korea secured seventh place with a confident 3-1 (25-16, 22-25, 25-20, 28-26) win over host nation Thailand.
Kang Kyungmin led the charge with 21 points, while Chutiphol Thurakit contributed 19 points for Thailand.
At the Ratchaburi Gymnasium, Chinese Taipei capped their campaign in style, outplaying Mongolia 3-1 (25-19, 25-14, 24-26, 25-15) to finish ninth.
China pulled off a remarkable comeback after losing the first two sets to overcome Kazakhstan 3-2 (24-26, 22-25, 25-17, 25-17, 15-10), ending their campaign in 11th place.
Australia clinched 13th spot following a rollercoaster 3-2 (25-20, 23-25, 23-25, 25-22, 15-13) victory over Saudi Arabia.
Hong Kong, China were awarded a walkover win after United Arab Emirates were disqualified due to a previous forfeiture.
The championship concluded with a glittering awards presentation and closing ceremony, graced by AVC President Mr Ramon Suzara, who presented the AVC Plaque to Thailand Volleyball Association President Mr Somporn Chaibangyang for the host nation’s exceptional support and collaboration.
Mr Suzara also awarded the Champions’ Trophy to Pakistan, while Control Committee President Mr Heyzer Harsono of Indonesia handed the runners-up trophy to Iran.
India received the bronze medal trophy in their debut campaign.
MVP Faizan Ullah stood tall as the tournament’s brightest star, symbolizing the new era of excellence that Pakistan has ushered in.
Following the ceremony, a commemorative photo session was held, featuring Control Committee Members, Technical Delegate Mr Kylychbek Sarbaghyshev (Kyrgyzstan), Technical Sub-Committee Members Mr Toshhiro Endo (Japan), Mr Kriyot Sudsaard (Thailand), Mr Malcom Henri Borgeaud (Australia), Referee Delegate Mr Dean Edward Turner OAM (Australia), and Referee Sub-Committee Members.
MATCH RESULTS
At Nakhon Pathom Gymnasium
1-2: Pakistan b Iran 3-2 (22-25, 21-25, 30-28, 25-21, 15-10)
3-4: India b Japan 3-2 (25-21, 12-25, 25-23, 18-25, 15-10)
5-6: Indonesia b Uzbekistan 3-2 (25-21, 16-25, 25-14, 23-25, 16-14)
7-8: Korea b Thailand 3-1 (25-16, 22-25, 25-20, 28-26)
At Ratchaburi Gymnasium
15-16: Hong Kong, China 3-0
13-14: Australia b Saudi Arabia 3-0 (25-20, 23-25, 23-25, 25-22, 15-13)
11-12: China b Kazakhstan 3-2 (24-26, 22-25, 25-17, 25-17, 15-10)
9-10: Chinese Taipei b Mongolia 3-1 (25-19, 25-14, 24-26, 25-15)
DREAM TEAM
Best Outside Hitters
Ullah Faizan – Pakistan (No.9)
Namazi Azhvan – Iran (No.3)
Best Middle Blockers
Fallahkharyeki Maziar – Iran (No.19)
Abdullah Wahab – Pakistan (No.15)
Best Opposite
Junaid Muhammad – Pakistan (No.11)
Best Setter
Pouzesh Aidin – Iran (No.1)
Best Libero
Gautam Shabad – India (No.7)
Most Valuable Player
Ullah Faizan – Pakistan (No.9)
FINAL RANKINGS
- PAKISTAN
- IRAN
- INDIA
- JAPAN
- Indonesia
- Uzbekistan
- Korea
- Thailand
- Chinese Taipei
- Mongolia
- China
- Kazakhstan
- Australia
- Saudi Arabia
- Hong Kong, China
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