Pakistan’s Murad Khan signs with Benfica, U19 team beats USA

WEB DESK: Pakistani volleyball star Murad Khan signed with Portuguese first division side Benfica on Saturday, in what was landmark move for volleyball in the country.

The 25-year-old opposite last played on the national level at the AVC Nations Cup 2025, where he helped Pakistan finish second among the 11 participating nations. On the domestic level, Murad last played for Chinese side Beijing BAIC Motor. He also has experience in the Serbian Super League, the Bulgarian Efbet Super Volley, and the Korean V-League, having played for Spartak Subotica, Neftochimik Burgas, and the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos, respectively.

Now, Murad will take the wealth of experience he has earned playing in leagues around the world to the Portugal, where he will compete in Liga A1 with one of the best European clubs in the world, S.L. Benfica. The club, founded in 1939, have a rich history in Liga A1, winning nine titles in the last 12 seasons. They have won a total of 12 titles in their history, which is the third most of any franchise in the league.

They fell just short of what would have been their sixth consecutive league title after losing to Sporting CP in the Liga A1 final. However, Benfica did triumph at the 21st Portuguese Cup, winning the trophy for the 21st time, nine times more than any other team.

With the addition of one of Asia’s best Opposite hitters in Murad, Benfica have strengthened an already dominant side.

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Pakistan beat USA in U19 Volleyball Championship

The Pakistan U19 volleyball team beat USA in their 13-16 position play-off match at the u19 volleyball world championship.

The boys in green managed to beat the US in four sets. After a dominant first set performance that saw Pakistan win 25-14, the US put up a better effort in the second, winning 25-22. However, that would be the final set the Americans would win, with Pakistan winning the next two 25-18 and 25-23.

It was a return to form for Pakistan, as they had lost three matches straight against China, Poland, and Argentina. It was a disappointing turn of events after Pakistan topped Pool A, winning four of their five matches.

Pakistan will now play their final match tomorrow, hoping to claim 13th position.

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