Feature: Volleyball cries for attention

Volleyball produces talent in sheer abundance across the country.

Much like every other sport that Pakistanis play, volleyball is one that produces talent in sheer abundance across the country.

It’s played with flair – and much promise – but the level of ability fails to match the results that Pakistan produce at international level. This lack of success is surprising considering that the country stood in the top-tier of Asian volleyball in the 1950s and 1960s with a bronze medal at the 1962 Asian Games to show for their efforts.

The sport enjoys considerable popularity, especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa which has produced many national stars. But despite the popularity, things have been tougher in recent years, hitting rock-bottom in 2009 when lack of funds forced the team to cancel their participation in the Asian Volleyball Championship.

No money, cries the  federation

According to Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) Secretary Mohammad Afzal, lack of finances has hindered attempts at developing the sport in the smaller towns where it enjoys a huge following.

“Volleyball is an indoor sport and most towns and villages don’t have the required facilities,” Afzal told The Express Tribune. “We only get an annual grant of Rs1.5 million from the government and that’s not enough to set up proper infrastructure for volleyball across Pakistan.”

But despite the dire state of finances, the PVF still manages to organise tournaments all over Pakistan — 12 competitions have been scheduled for 2012.

In addition, attempts have been made to harness talent through setting up coaching camps for youngsters in Shakargarh, Bannu, Faisalabad and Swat, where, according to Afzal, the flair and interest is matchless.

“The natural ability of the players from these areas is phenomenal. Most of them are still in their teens but all they need is proper coaching and they can become world-beaters.”

Need for proper coaching

Proper coaching, however, is a huge ask for Pakistan volleyball. Evidence suggests that when provided with training from a qualified coach, Pakistan’s performance has improved, a view that’s backed by members of the national team.

A case in point is the 2008 Asian Junior Volleyball Championship where Pakistan won bronze under an Iranian coach. However, lack of funds has hindered the PVF’s plans of hiring a foreign coach since 2010.

Despite the problems, Pakistan still managed to finish a creditable seventh at the Asian event last year. Consequently, the team improved its international ranking from 46th to 43rd. It also achieved this result with limited resources and lack of training facilities.

With the potential to become a top volleyball nation on the Asian level at least, volleyball in Pakistan needs a solution to it financial problems to help it regain its lost glory.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 22^nd, 2012.