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Asian Games, men’s volleyball: India register another upset, reach quarterfinals after win over 2018 bronze medallists Chinese Taipei

September 22, 2023

Backing up their thrilling win against South Korea, the Indian men’s volleyball team defeated another higher-ranked opponent on Friday at the Hangzhou Asian Games. This time, it was the 2018 bronze medallists Chinese Taipei, and unlike the marathon win against last edition’s runners-up Korea, this was in straight sets. India prevailed 25-22, 25-22, 25-21 in the Cross Match for Top 12 against the Asian 6th ranked team, at China Textile City Sports Centre Gymnasium on Friday.

That win against Korea was certainly a shot in the arm for India, ranked 11th in Asia, who now prepare for a quarterfinal against Japan on Sunday. “It was a great match, to win 3-0,” captain Vinit Rai said after the match, as per IOA. “All of us did good man-to-man marking. They led in the first set and then caught up with us in the third set. But we fought back and were able to cover the leads. Japan is a strong team, but we will do our best.”

India trailed by a significant margin as Vinit referred to, down 15-20 at one stage. But a decisive run of points from there gave the lead to the Indians and they took the momentum into the second set that they won more comfortably. The third saw Taipei, ranked 43 in the world, mount a fightback to level things up at 17-17 but India, ranked 73 in the world currently, recovered in time to complete the win.

Wing spiker Amit led the points tally for India once again as he did against Korea, accounting for a total of 16 points. Ashwal Rai too was impressive with his 14 points while Libero Hari Prasad came for special praise from captain Vinit.

“We played really well, and as per our expectations we were able to defeat Taipei,” coach Jaideep Sarkar said. “There were some ups and downs, but we definitely expected this. Pakistan had also defeated Taipei and our morale was also boosted after our win against Korea. Japan is a good team, but at this stage we don’t have any shortcomings either, we will do our best with the confidence gained,” said the coach, with India being one of the few teams with wholly local coaching staff including legendary former player Tom Joseph.

Anurag Thakur will not be travelling to China
China at the Asian Games
Asian Games 2023 (September 21)
Bajrang

India will take on Asia’s second best team Japan in the quarterfinal on Sunday. India have won a total of three medals in volleyball at the Asian Games – a silver and two bronze – the last of which came in 1986.