Volleyball team receives late visas
The Pakistan volleyball team has been given an eleventh-hour visa clearance by the India High Commission as it leaves for India this morning to participate in the third Men’s Asian Central Zone Volleyball Championship in Kolkata.
“We’ve been assured of visa clearance although in an untimely fashion,” Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) Secretary Muhammad Afzal told The Express Tribune.
“Earlier, there was uncertainty and the federation was unclear about their participation due to visa delays but later we were given assurance by the Indian embassy.
“The federation, in the meantime, was in talks with the Volleyball Federation of India about the issue and we have been assured of the clearance and we are confident that we will leave in time.”
Afzal also revealed that the 15-man squad for the championship, led by Zaheer Abbas, is scheduled to leave from the Wagah border this morning.
India had invited six countries to participate in the championship but only three - Pakistan, Iran and Kazakhstan - confirmed their participation.
The second Asian Central Zone Volleyball Championship was organised by Pakistan where the hosts finished fourth.
The first edition was held in Sri Lanka where Pakistan finished second.
The five-day tournament will be held in the Netaji Indoor Stadium from September 16 to 20 as Iran is scheduled to face world number 115 Pakistan in the opening match.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 15th, 2010.
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