The Central Asia Volleyball Association (CAVA) has officially relocated its Men’s Nations League tournament from Islamabad, Pakistan to Uzbekistan, citing mounting security concerns following renewed tensions between Pakistan and India. The tournament, originally scheduled for May 29 to June 4, will now take place in Uzbekistan on the same dates.
This decision was finalised during CAVA’s Annual General Meeting held on April 25 in Nepal. During the meeting, member nations voiced concerns about travelling to Pakistan due to the strained geopolitical situation in South Asia, particularly the hostile diplomatic environment between the two regional rivals.
Reluctance from Participating Teams
While the exact countries that raised objections have not been publicly named, CAVA officials acknowledged that multiple teams expressed reluctance to participate if the event remained in Pakistan. India’s participation, in particular, appeared uncertain due to the bilateral tensions, raising fears about the integrity of the tournament if one or more teams pulled out.
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A senior CAVA official confirmed the relocation, stating, “The tournament will now take place in Uzbekistan, but the dates will remain as initially planned.” The move was seen as necessary to maintain full participation and avoid last-minute withdrawals, which could have jeopardized the competition’s credibility.
Confirmation from Pakistani Officials
Ch Mohammad Yaqub, a senior official of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF), also confirmed the development, noting that the change was prompted by concerns surrounding the ongoing security situation. “Yes, the change was made because countries declined to participate due to the security situation between Pakistan and India,” he told reporters.
The PVF had been preparing to host the event in Islamabad and had considered it a significant opportunity to showcase Pakistan as a viable venue for international sports. The sudden shift has dealt a blow to these efforts, especially as the country continues to battle negative perceptions around its security environment.
Participating Nations Unchanged
Despite the change in venue, the list of participating nations remains intact. The tournament will feature teams from Pakistan, India, Iran, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. CAVA has assured that the competition will proceed with its full lineup and retain its original structure. The association emphasized that the tournament remains a key event for fostering regional cooperation and promoting volleyball across Central and South Asia.
Mixed Reactions to the Move
Reactions to the decision have been mixed. While many observers consider it a pragmatic move aimed at ensuring the safety of players and officials, others have expressed disappointment, especially within Pakistan’s sporting community. Hosting the tournament was seen as an opportunity for Pakistan to rehabilitate its international image and attract more global events.
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Nonetheless, the PVF remains hopeful about future prospects. “We understand the concerns, and we hope that with time, the situation will stabilize and Pakistan will once again be considered for hosting such prestigious events,” said a PVF representative.