Asian Men’s U16 Volleyball C’Ship: India loses to Pakistan in semifinals; qualifies for World U17 Championship

India lost 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-12) to Pakistan in the semifinals of the Asian U16 Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand on Friday.

All four semifinalists – India, Pakistan, Japan and Iran – have qualified for 2026 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship.

It was India’s second loss in the tournament after Thursday’s 3-1 (23-25, 25-15, 25-12, 25-23) defeat against Japan which determined the semifinal lineup.

Earlier in the tournament, India swept through Pool A, beating host Thailand, Australia and China in straight sets to collect the maximum quota of nine points before also beating Uzbekistan in its first match of the crossover stage.

Qatar will host the U17 World Championship in 2026 from August 19 to 29. Italy is the defending champion, having claimed the inaugural title in Bulgaria in 2024.