Pakistan defeated China 3-0 in the Asian Games men’s volleyball bronze-medal match, securing a podium finish and ending a 64-year wait for a medal in the sport today.
Webdesk: Zunaira Fatima
Pakistan secured the bronze medal in men’s volleyball at the 2026 Asian Games after defeating China 3-0 in the bronze-medal match on Saturday in Japan. The victory gave Pakistan its first Asian Games volleyball medal since the 1962 Jakarta Games, ending a 64-year wait in the sport.
The Pakistani team produced a strong performance at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture, winning all three sets against China. Pakistan took the opening set 25-18 before continuing its control in the second set, which it won 25-16. The team then closed out the match with a 25-18 victory in the third set.
Pakistan maintained pressure throughout the contest and prevented China from making a comeback. The team’s attacking play and defence helped it remain ahead during crucial stages of the match. According to Geo News, Pakistan also showed greater attacking efficiency and registered four successful blocks during the opening set.
Opposite hitter Murad Khan led Pakistan’s scoring with 18 points, while outside hitters Afaq Khan and Ali Usman Faryad contributed 14 points each. Musawer Khan added eight points, with Mohammad Hamad and Hamid Yazman also contributing to the victory.
Pakistan had begun its Asian Games campaign with a 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan and followed it with a 3-0 win against Uzbekistan. The team later lost 3-0 to hosts Japan in the final pool match but advanced to the knockout stage.
In the quarter-final, Pakistan defeated India 3-0 to reach the semi-finals. However, defending champions Iran ended Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the final with another straight-sets victory. Pakistan then responded in the bronze-medal match by defeating China 3-0.
The bronze medal marks a significant moment for Pakistan volleyball, as the country had previously won its only Asian Games volleyball medal—a bronze—in 1962.
