Aimal urges Pakistan to build on Asian Games bronze

Former captain says historic medal can open doors to foreign volleyball leagues

KARACHI:

Former Pakistan captain and professional volleyballer Aimal Khan has described Pakistan’s Asian Games performance as “phenomenal”, saying the historic bronze medal can provide a major boost to the country’s volleyball.

“It was a phenomenal performance by the Green-shirts in the Asian Games, winning a bronze medal after a long 64 years,” Aimal told The Express Tribune in an interview from his hometown in Swat on Monday.

Pakistan defeated China in the bronze-medal match to secure the historic podium finish. Aimal was particularly impressed by the quality of the opposition.

“We defeated a strong China team in the bronze-medal match and won the medal. This was the same China team that played in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL). It was not a second-string side, but the way our boys outclassed them was superb,” he said.

Aimal, who has extensive experience of playing in foreign leagues and has received offers from clubs in Oman and Jordan, stressed that Pakistan’s recent rise has not happened overnight.

“It’s not a sudden growth. For the last three to four years, our national teams have been delivering, and this is the plus point,” he said.

The former skipper acknowledged that Pakistan faced considerable psychological pressure in the semi-final against Iran, one of Asia’s dominant volleyball nations.

“Obviously, the pressure is there, and psychologically players feel it when they play against a strong Iran team, which rules Asia in volleyball,” said the spiker.

Aimal believes the Asian Games bronze will also enhance the prospects of Pakistan’s players seeking contracts abroad.

“This will do a lot for Pakistan, and more players will get offers from foreign clubs,” he said.

Around a dozen Pakistani players are currently associated with clubs in Asia and Europe. “It’s extremely good that some players will join foreign leagues, but what will the others do when they come home? They should be engaged now. There should be a league, and it is very important if we want to sustain our growth,” he said.

Aimal said Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) was trying to launch a domestic league but stressed that provincial and regional associations must also contribute to the sport’s development.

“The PVF is trying to launch a league, but associations should also play a role in volleyball development. Tell me, which association has established a volleyball academy?” he questioned.

He also urged provincial governments to support their volleyball players.

“Only the federation cannot do everything. Provinces will also have to play a role. If they give some cash prizes to the bronze-medal-winning team, it will encourage them,” Aimal said.

Pakistan’s bronze in the Asian Games was its first volleyball medal in 64 years. The country’s previous medal in the sport had come at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta, where Pakistan also won bronze.

Aimal believes the latest achievement should raise expectations for Pakistan at the continental level.

“If we can win a medal in the Asian Games, we can also win a medal in the Asian Championship,” he said.

He also pointed to Pakistan’s impressive quarter-final victory over India as evidence of the team’s growing potential.

“India are a strong side and had spent so many days in Japan after featuring in the Asian Championship, but Pakistan outclassed them in the quarter-final,” Aimal said.

“This is a clear indication that our talent is prolific and that we have the guts to beat even the toughest teams in Asia.”

Aimal also called for Pakistan to arrange a tour of Europe, saying exposure against stronger oppositions would accelerate the players’ development.

“It’s very important to go outside Asia. Even if we play against top European clubs, our boys can learn more. This will also open further floodgates for our players to sign contracts with foreign clubs because we have the potential and are capable of playing in top leagues,” Aimal concluded.