LAHORE: India have withdrawn from the Central Asian Men’s Volleyball Championship, while Afghanistan’s participation in the event, scheduled to be held in Islamabad from July 22 to 29, remains doubtful.

According to a press release issued by the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) on Monday, seven teams, including hosts Pakistan, are scheduled to participate in the championship. The other teams are Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Nepal.

A senior PVF official told Dawn that the Indian Volleyball Federation had confirmed its participation two months ago, following which the PVF had secured permission from the interior ministry for the issuance of visas to the Indian contingent in compliance with its international obligations.

“However, India has now pulled out after its government denied the team permission to travel to Pakistan,” the official said.

The official added that Afghanistan’s participation was also in doubt as the team had not received its visas by the time of filing this report.

The PVF, however, said in its press release that the Afghanistan team was scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The development comes amid strained relations between Pakistan and its two neighbouring countries, India and Afghanistan, which have also affected sporting ties between the countries in recent years.

The PVF said teams from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan had already arrived in Islamabad, while Nepal, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan were due to arrive on Tuesday.

“All international delegates and CAVA officials have also arrived in Islamabad to oversee the successful organisation and conduct of the championship,” the federation said.

The championship was originally scheduled to be held in Lahore, but the PVF shifted it to Islamabad after failing to secure a suitable venue in the Punjab capital.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2026