Unlike many his age, Muhammad Yahya`s formative years weren`t spent on television dramas or endless phone scrolling. Instead, volleyball became the central focus of his daily life, a profound influence shaping his perception and approach to the sport.
The 17-year-old Pakistani opposite hitter, Muhammad Yahya, emphasizes his dedication, stating, “Volleyball is my entire world.” He adds, “I follow every match of the ongoing VNL (Volleyball Nations League), which serves as both my learning tool and a source of inspiration.”
For Yahya, observing elite players isn`t merely entertainment; it`s a crucial educational experience. He explains, “You gain immense knowledge just by analyzing how top athletes move and how they manage pressure.”
Muhammad Yahya of Pakistan prepares to serve against Uzbekistan at the FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship in Tashkent.
Now, he competes on the global stage, aiming to demonstrate Pakistan`s rightful place among the world`s best.
Standing at 1.96 meters with impressive vertical leaping ability, Yahya has rapidly emerged as a key player for Pakistan at the FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship. His 24-point performance was instrumental in Pakistan`s dominant victory over host nation Uzbekistan, a match that demanded both exceptional skill and composure amidst a fervent home crowd.
Recalling a previous encounter, Yahya stated, “I remember competing against them at the U16 level. They also had a large crowd then, and they defeated us. So, this time, our goal was to play intelligently, adhere to our strategy, and secure the win.”
However, statistics alone don`t fully capture the narrative. Yahya`s individual success mirrors Pakistan`s broader growth in youth volleyball, transitioning from regional hopefuls to formidable competitors. Last year, he was a pivotal force in Pakistan`s gold medal triumph at the CAVA U18 Central Championship in Tashkent, where he earned the Most Valuable Player award. This impressive campaign notably featured a comeback victory against Iran in the final.
He continued this remarkable trajectory with another podium finish at the 2024 Asian U18 Championship, where Pakistan secured a bronze medal – their first continental age-group medal in history. Yahya once again spearheaded the team, contributing 21 points in the third-place match against Japan, and was subsequently honored as the tournament`s Best Opposite hitter.
Reflecting on his debut, he remarked, “This is my first World Championship. During the initial match, I was still adapting to the unfamiliar lighting and venue. However, I soon found my rhythm, grasped the game`s tempo, and understood my role for the team.”
Yahya powers through the block during Pakistan’s straight-sets victory over hosts Uzbekistan at the Boys’ U19 World Championship.
Yahya attributes Pakistan`s volleyball advancements to strategic long-term planning. He remarked, “Just three or four years ago, we hadn`t reached this level. Now, the management is diligently developing players across youth, junior, and senior categories. We`re constructing robust teams, and that`s a source of immense pride for us.”
He also highlights the crucial roles of coaching and scouting in their success. “Our coaches meticulously analyze our opponents and explain every detail before each match,” he stated. “They provide us with a clear game plan, enabling us to play with unwavering focus.”
Among his role models are Pakistan`s seasoned opposite hitter, Murad Wazir, and Iran`s Amin Esmaeilnezhad, celebrated for his impressive jump height and powerful left-handed attacks. “I observe their composure and how they decisively score points,” he noted. “I aspire to cultivate those same qualities.”
Yahya roars in celebration after scoring a key point in front of a packed crowd in Tashkent.
Despite his promising start, Yahya acknowledges that his international career is just beginning, with significant effort still required.
He expresses his ambition, stating, “I want to represent Pakistan at every possible level. I want the world to witness Pakistan`s capability to contend with the global elite.”
His performance against Uzbekistan clearly demonstrated these qualities: composure, confidence, and exceptional skill. While it might appear as a major breakthrough for a 17-year-old, Yahya views it merely as the next progression in his journey.
He confidently declared, “We`re only just beginning, and our aim is to reach even greater heights.”
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood