Pakistan’s historic run at the FIVB U19 Volleyball World Championship came to a valiant end in the Round of 16 after a 3-2 loss to Poland in Tashkent on Wednesday.

 

The five-set thriller ended 25-21, 23-25, 25-17, 21-25, 16-18 in Poland’s favour, but not before Pakistan pushed one of Europe’s top youth teams to the limit. Despite the narrow defeat, Pakistan left the tournament with their heads held high.

 

However, the loss did not come without controversy. According to reports, Pakistani players and officials were left frustrated by several questionable decisions from the referee, especially during the final stages of the deciding set.

 

“I fail to understand why FIVB didn't make the review system available in an event like the world championship,” a PVF official remarked after the game.

 

Chaudhry Yaqoob, Chairman of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation, confirmed that a formal protest will be lodged with FIVB over the standard of officiating in the knockout match.

 

“Pakistan team's manager asked the FIVB Control Committee to review the final point decision on available footage or computer. He came back and told him that it was foul by Poland and apologized but they couldn't change the decision,” said Yaqoob.

 

Despite the unfortunate ending, Pakistan’s campaign has been nothing short of exceptional.

 

They began their debut tournament by shocking world No. 7 Belgium with a straight-sets win. This was followed by another 3-0 victory against hosts Uzbekistan. Their dominance continued with a clean sweep over Türkiye and Puerto Rico, sealing four wins in four matches without dropping a single set in the group stage.

 

Pakistan suffered their only group-stage defeat in a 3-2 battle against Argentina in their final Pool A fixture, but still qualified for the Round of 16 with confidence.

 

Though their journey ended against Poland, Pakistan's performance at the U19 World Championship signals a bright future for volleyball in the country.