Afghanistan’s national volleyball team received a warm welcome in Kabul after finishing second in the 2025 Central Asia Volleyball Championship held in Bangladesh.
Kabul | by Sara Amiri
Afghanistan’s national volleyball team returned home on Wednesday after claiming the silver medal in the 2025 Central Asia Volleyball Championship. The squad was greeted at Kabul International Airport by officials, fans, and media representatives celebrating one of the team’s strongest regional performances in recent years.
Among those welcoming the players were Director General of Physical Education and Sports Mawlawi Ahmadullah Wasiq, Olympic Affairs Chief Dad Mohammad Payenda Akhtari, Volleyball Federation President Sayed Abdul Rahim Sadat, Kam Air legal advisor Mohammad Usman Farooq, and several senior sports officials.
Wasiq praised the team’s achievement, calling it “a proud moment for Afghan sport.” He said the result reflected the athletes’ discipline and commitment. “We will continue to support our volleyball players and expand opportunities for them to represent Afghanistan internationally,” he added.
Federation President Sadat also credited the result to teamwork and persistence. “Our players showed courage and consistency. Competing closely with Turkmenistan in the final is proof that Afghan volleyball is rising,” he said.
The Afghan team played six matches during the tournament, winning three to reach the final. In a close five-set contest, Afghanistan lost to Turkmenistan 2–3 to finish as runners-up.
The 2025 Central Asia Volleyball Championship was hosted by Bangladesh from October 22 to 28, featuring national teams from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives. Turkmenistan took the title, while Afghanistan secured its best regional finish in recent years, a result many hope will inspire renewed investment and participation in the sport at home.