Pakistan booked their spot in the semifinals of the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025 on Tuesday after a well-earned victory against the Maldives in their fifth group-stage clash. The match, held at the Jeonju Hwasan Gymnasium in Jeonju-si, South Korea, was a thrilling contest that saw Pakistan triumph 49-39 in a game filled with momentum shifts and intense competition.
Pakistan started the match strongly, taking a 14-12 lead at the end of the first quarter. However, the Maldives came back aggressively in the second quarter and managed to edge ahead, holding a narrow 26-24 lead at halftime. The third quarter saw a shift in momentum once again as Pakistan regained control, ending the period with a 35-32 advantage. In the final quarter, the Green Shirts tightened their defense and maintained offensive pressure, eventually pulling ahead to seal a ten-point victory.
The win was a true team effort, with standout performances from several players. Leya Raza Shah, Alisha Naveed, Sumayya Kouser, Haleema, Jasmine Farooq, and Farah Rasheed were instrumental in guiding the team to victory. Their determination and skill played a vital role in not just this match but throughout the group stage.
Following the game, Pakistan Netball Federation Chairman Mudassar Arian, President Sameen Malik, and Secretary General Muhammad Riaz praised the team for their outstanding performance and commended the players for their consistent excellence. They expressed pride in the team’s achievements and extended best wishes for the upcoming semifinal clash.
With this victory, Pakistan topped Group B and secured their place in the semifinals where they will face Japan on Thursday, July 3. Despite already defeating Japan convincingly in the group stage, Pakistan will remain cautious as knockout rounds present fresh challenges and renewed intensity.
The Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025 is being held under the supervision of the Asian Netball Federation from June 27 to July 4, 2025. This year’s tournament includes eleven nations, with teams split into two divisions: Group A (Gold Cup Division) and Group B (Plate Cup Division). According to the updated tournament format, the top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals, with the top-ranked team from one group facing the second-ranked team from the other.
Group A features some of Asia’s most competitive netball nations, including Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and India. Meanwhile, Group B comprises Pakistan, Japan, South Korea, Maldives, Chinese Taipei, and Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan’s journey through the group stage has been nothing short of dominant. They opened their campaign with a commanding 71-15 win over Saudi Arabia, setting the tone early. Their second match saw them overpower Chinese Taipei with a 56-32 scoreline, once again displaying their strength in both attack and defense.
The third group-stage match was perhaps their most lopsided performance, as Pakistan crushed South Korea by a staggering 91-6 margin. Their fourth group game was another highlight, where they dismantled Japan in a one-sided affair, winning 79-39, giving them confidence heading into the semifinals.
With five consecutive wins in the group stage and consistently high-scoring performances, Pakistan has emerged as one of the favorites to lift the championship trophy. Their excellent coordination, strong defensive strategies, and quick attacking plays have made them a team to watch.
The semifinal clash against Japan promises to be a crucial test. Despite their previous win over the Japanese side, Pakistan will need to remain focused and disciplined to avoid any upsets. If victorious, they will proceed to the final where they will face one of the top teams from Group A — likely powerhouses such as Sri Lanka, Singapore, or Malaysia.
As the championship nears its conclusion, Pakistan’s young netball stars have already made a mark with their grit, unity, and exceptional talent. Their journey so far reflects the rising standard of women’s sports in the country, offering hope for future international success.
