After winning the first two sets, 25-23 and 25-19, Pakistan conceded the third set 20-25. But it did not deter them from opting for aggressive game, which paid dividends as they clinched the fourth set convincingly with 25-17 to win the game.
Pakistan’s Asif Nadeem was declared the best player of the match.
Tunisia claimed gold and Thailand grabbed bronze.
Pakistan on Monday night had defeated Thailand 3-2 with the set scores being 27-25, 19-25, 19-25, 25-21 and 14-12.
Pakistan had defeated United Arab Emirates (UAE) 3-1 and earned a tough 3-2 victory against Saudi Arabia. But they were beaten by Tunisia 3-0.
Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) President Chaudhry Mohammad Yaqoob hailed the performance of his side.
“If we can produce such a performance with a 15-day preparation, it shows that we have a bright future,” Yaqoob told ‘The News’ on Tuesday. “We have around half a dozen players with over six and a half feet height and they are really talented,” Yaqoob said.
“But we need sponsors, the government’s support and the presence of qualified coaches for long time who could train the youngsters for the future. If we get these things, we can qualify for the 2016 Olympics,” the PVF chief said.
Volleyball is one of the strong sports disciplines in Pakistan.
In 2007-08 when Pakistan hired Iranian coach Ali Reza Moameri he told this correspondent soon after taking charge that if he is given all facilities he could turn Pakistan into a strong side. He made a solid training plan for the country’s junior side for the Asian Junior Championship, arranged foreign tours and Pakistan claimed bronze medal for the first time in the 26 years history of that championship.
