Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, May 3: International spiker Saqlain Tariq from Poonch has been shortlisted among 28 players by the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) for the national team in upcoming major international competitions. Saqlain, the only player from Jammu and Kashmir, earned selection after a rigorous assessment conducted between April 24 and May 1.
The selection process evaluated players on current performance levels, international standards and their potential as impact players. The seven-member selection panel, headed by coach Dragan Mihailovic, focused on key events including the AVC Men’s Cup 2026, Asian Championship, and Asian Games in Japan, along with long-term targets such as the World Championship 2027 and Olympic qualification 2028.
The list of 28 probables has been forwarded for administrative approval and the upcoming national coaching camp. Saqlain’s selection has been hailed in Poonch, with his coach Mohd Tariq expressing pride and stating that the achievement will inspire youth from Jammu and Kashmir to excel in volleyball.
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