ISLAMABAD : Pakistan’s participation in the first Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Men’s Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad, India from June 20 to 28, has become uncertain as the government and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have yet to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the team.
The tournament carries added significance as it serves as a qualifier for the World Volleyball Championship to be held in August. According to the Pakistan Volleyball Federation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistan Sports Board have not yet granted the required permit, with a deadline of March 30 for Pakistan to confirm its participation.
Sources indicate that in light of the current state of Pakistan‑India relations, it is unlikely that the national team will be allowed to travel to India for the event. Twelve teams have qualified for the inaugural AVC Men’s Cup, including hosts India, Australia, Bahrain, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Korea, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand. The winner will secure a spot in the World Volleyball Championship.
Meanwhile, the AVC Women’s Cup 2026 is set to take place from June 6 to 14 in Canada and the Philippines. Participating teams include hosts Philippines, Australia, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
