Pakistan volleyball captain Murad Jehan has criticised the arrangements at the 2026 Asian Games, describing the team’s logistical difficulties as “unacceptable” and claiming the players faced serious problems ahead of their match against Uzbekistan.
Murad said the team bus was taken to the wrong gymnasium just an hour before the match, leaving players to prepare on the bus with virtually no time for a proper warm-up.
In a post on Instagram, Murad said the incident was “really disappointing” and accused the organisers of failing to maintain the standards expected at the Asian Games.
“Japan has destroyed the dignity and discipline of the Asian Games,” Murad wrote, describing the situation as “embarrassing”.
According to the Pakistan captain, the bus was taken to the wrong gymnasium shortly before the match against Uzbekistan. The players were consequently forced to get ready on the bus, leaving them with almost no time to properly prepare or warm up.
Pakistan captain raises food concerns
Murad also alleged that the team had repeatedly faced problems with food during the Games. He claimed hotel restaurants were sometimes closed when the players returned from training, leaving them without access to meals.
“Sometimes when u comeback from training then the restaurant of the hotel is closed and u don’t get the food,” he wrote.
Similar food-related concerns have also been reported among Indian athletes in Nagoya during the 2026 Asian Games.
Pakistan maintain winning run in volleyball
Despite the logistical issues, Pakistan produced another strong performance on the court, defeating Uzbekistan 3-0 in their second Pool A preliminary-round match on Monday.
Pakistan had opened their men’s volleyball campaign with a 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan on Sunday. They won the first two sets 25-16 and 25-22 before Kazakhstan took the third 25-17, but Pakistan closed out the match by winning the fourth set 25-20.
The victory over Uzbekistan has moved Pakistan into first place in Pool A. The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the quarter-finals.
Pakistan will now face hosts Japan in their final group-stage match as they continue their campaign at the 2026 Asian Games. The team entered the competition hoping to improve on its recent Asian Games record and challenge for a medal.
Pakistan are seeking their first Asian Games volleyball medal since the modern six-a-side format was introduced. Their best result came in 1962, when they won the bronze medal in Jakarta.
At the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, Pakistan finished fifth.
Focus shifts beyond court
While Pakistan’s results have strengthened their position in Pool A, Murad’s comments have drawn attention to the conditions facing the team away from competition.
His allegations about transportation, preparation time and access to food have placed the logistical arrangements for Pakistan’s volleyball team under scrutiny as the squad continues its Asian Games campaign.
