India has officially withdrawn its participation from the upcoming Central Asian Volleyball Championship 2025, set to be held in Islamabad next month.
This development follows the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, exacerbating diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan.
The Indian government revoked the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the team’s travel, prompting their exit from the tournament. The 30-member Indian squad, which included 22 players, was originally scheduled to compete in the championship starting May 28 at the Jinnah Complex.
A representative from the Pakistan Volleyball Federation expressed disappointment at India’s withdrawal but hinted that Afghanistan or Sri Lanka could step in to fill the gap. The tournament will see participation from teams representing Iran, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
India’s decision highlights the complex interplay between sports and politics in a region marked by ongoing tensions.
