A Blackburn community volleyball club came through a thrilling final to win a national tournament in Birmingham.

Naaz took on the much-fancied Toofan in the showpiece final at the first national volleyball Kokni tournament since the pandemic. 

Naaz were buoyed by the support of many of their retired players who came to watch and cheer on their side.

This support proved to be a crucial factor in their success, as the team overcame early setbacks to clinch the title.

The club is one of the oldest community volleyball teams in Blackburn and plays the traditional sports rules from the South Asian continent.

Captain Sajid Firfirey said: "To win the tournament after having lost to both the semi-finalist and finalist teams initially in the group stages is a phenomenal achievement.

"Our strategy of rotating players allowed us to maintain energy and adapt to the challenges we faced.

"Every player contributed to this victory, and I couldn't be prouder of how we came together as a team."

He added: "This win has given us tremendous confidence and motivation. We hope to build on this momentum and achieve even greater things in the future.

“Naaz's championship win not only highlights their exceptional talent and perseverance but also underscores the enduring spirit of the sport and its ability to inspire and uplift.”

Naaz club senior member Mushtaq Younus said: “It was great winning this tournament, which we won more than 15 years ago.

“I would like to mention our loyal club members Ashfaq Bade and Abdullah Solkar who have been there from the start. Abdullah was also part of the winning team.

“We have some great younger players coming through such as Rajab Solkar who had an outstanding tournament.”