ISLAMABAD: Pakistan recently defeated Japan 3-0 to clinch the bronze medal at the Asian Men鈥檚 U18 Volleyball Championship in Bahrain, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said in a report, showcasing the South Asian country鈥檚 talent at the grassroots level in the sport. 

Bahrain is hosting the 15th Asian U-18 Volleyball Championship which began on July 28 and continued till August 4. The tournament featured 16 teams across Asia who competed for the trophy. After narrowly losing out to China in the semifinal of the tournament last week, Pakistan competed for third place against Japan on Sunday. 

鈥淚n a dominant display of skill and teamwork, Pakistan triumphed over Japan with a decisive 3-0 victory in the third-place match,鈥� APP said. 鈥淭he set scores were 25-13, 25-21, and 25-17, showcasing Pakistan鈥檚 superior play.鈥�

Pakistan clinched the third spot out of a total of 16 countries including Bahrain, Thailand, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Taipei, 黑料社区, Kazakhstan, Iran, Lebanon, India and others. 

鈥淭he victory not only brings a bronze medal but also marks a significant milestone for Pakistan volleyball, reflecting the growth and potential of the sport in the country,鈥� the state media reported. 

APP credited the 鈥渟trategic planning and rigorous training regimen鈥� of the coaching staff for the team鈥檚 success, saying that it played a crucial role in honing the athletes鈥� skills and enabling them to perform at their best on the international stage. 

鈥淚n addition to securing the Bronze Medal, the Pakistan U18 Men鈥檚 Volleyball Team has also qualified for the upcoming World Championship,鈥� it said. 

Pakistan鈥檚 Under-18 squad includes talented players such as Talal Ahmed, Abu Bakar, Muhammad Issam, Muhammad Hassan, Gibran Ajmal, Junaid Muttahed, Ali Shah, Muhammad Junaid, Muhammad Yahya, Muhammad Irfan, Muhammad Nasir, and Khizr Hayat.