Overview
- The ZONG 5G CAVA Men’s Volleyball Championship began in Islamabad on Wednesday, July 22, with six teams — Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan — scheduled to play through July 29.
- India pulled out at the last minute despite the Pakistan Volleyball Federation and government agencies saying they had secured required NOCs and comprehensive security guarantees.
- Hosts Pakistan won their opening match, defeating Sri Lanka 3-0 with set scores reported as 25-16, 25-15 and 25-18, and players said the victory builds early momentum.
- The tournament uses a single round-robin from July 22–27 with the top four teams advancing to semifinals on July 28 and medal matches on July 29, and match results award regional ranking points that affect wider qualification paths.
- Organisers and officials framed the championship as a chance to bolster Pakistan’s reputation as a capable host and to strengthen regional sporting ties, a result that could influence future international events held in the country.