Asian Games, men’s volleyball: India reger another upset, reach quarterfinals after win over 2018 bronze medalls Chinese Taipei | Asian-games News
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 medalls 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 at China Textile City Sports Centre Gymnasium on Friday.
That win against Korea has certainly given India a shot in the arm, as they 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.”Most Read
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India trailed 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 recovered in time to complete the win.
Our Volleyball team is into the Quarter Finals 💪🏽Here’s the winning moment from our 3-0 win against Chinese Taipei 🏐 pic.twitter.com/HhsnN1gnbh
— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) September 22, 2023
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, 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. Pakan 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.”
India will take on 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.
