Naseer Ahmed, who had a six-month contract of $60,000, and Kashif Mansoor who had played for a local Iranian club with a contract of $50,000 were among the 22 national players being trained by Brazilian coach Augsto Sibatini at the Pakistan Sports Complex for the upcoming Asian Games.
The 16th Asian Games, also known as the XVI Asiad, are slated to be held in Guangzhou, China, from November 12 to 27.
“It was a good season there [Iran] and I am quite confident to put in my best for winning a medal for the Pakistan team in the Asian Games,” claimed Naseer, 26, who had represented Pakistan in 80 international matches.
Kashif, on the other hand, who played 90 international matches, said: “I am in good form after playing six-month volleyball league in Iran and hopefully the combination of young and experienced players can confirm better results in the upcoming mega event.”
Both the players are six-feet three-inches tall and play for Gol Gohar Volleyball Club which participates in the Super League in Iran.
“Money matters but our top priority is to play for Pakistan,” asserted both the players.
The federation officials were also hopeful of a good show in the upcoming mega event and have high hopes from the current players. Pakistan however, did not appear in the 15th Asian Games held in Doha, Qatar, in 2006.
“All we need is competitive matches against high-rated international volleyball teams besides good incentives as we have the much needed young talent in remote cities and towns,” added Naseer, who represents Wapda in national events.
Kashif, who play for Pakistan Police, added that he was trying to get a contract in Italian volleyball league as “it is an opportunity to play with leading players of top ranking volleyball teams like Brazil, Argentina, USA, Russia and many others.”
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