China edge Pakistan in Asian U18 volleyball semifinal

KARACHI: In a breathtaking and intensely contested semi-final at the Asian Under-18 Volleyball Championship in Bahrain, Pakistan's Under-18 team narrowly lost to China in a dramatic five-set battle.

The defeat means Pakistan will now compete for third place, while China advanced to the final.

China took the opening set 25-23, but Pakistan responded with determination, claiming the second set 25-22.

China regained their advantage in the third set 25-22, but Pakistan staged a remarkable comeback to win the fourth set 25-23 after trailing 16-21. In the decisive fifth set, China managed to secure the win with a score of 15-8.

The final score was 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 23-25 and 15-8 in favour of China.

Key contributors for Pakistan were Abu Bakar, Mahtat Ali Shah, Muhammad Anas, and Muhammad Yahya.

Finishing among the top four in the championship, Pakistan have secured a place for the first time in the Under-19 Volleyball World Championship next year—an impressive achievement for a team that was making only its second appearance at the Asian U18 Volleyball Championship, following their victory in the Central Asian U18 Championship in June.