Volleyball
India scripts history with first-ever medal at AVC Men's Volleyball Cup
India remained unbeaten in the group stage before defeating defending champions Bahrain to win their first-ever medal at the AVC Men's Volleyball Cup.
India defeated Australia in the final group game of AVC Volleyball Cup (Photo Credits: AVC)
India hosted the Asian Men's Volleyball Championship for the first time in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, from June 20 to June 28.
The tournament turned out to be a historic one for the hosts, who clinched their first-ever medal in the history of the competition.
India made a flying start to their campaign, remaining unbeaten throughout the group stage. They registered five consecutive victories over New Zealand, Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei, Bahrain, and Australia to top their group and book a place in the semifinals.
The win over Australia capped off a perfect group-stage campaign, with India defeating the Aussies in straight sets to head into the knockout stage brimming with confidence.
In the semifinals, India faced Indonesia in a thrilling five-set contest. The hosts dominated the opening set, but Indonesia fought back to take a 2-1 lead. India forced a decider by winning the fourth set before Indonesia edged the fifth 15-13 to seal a 3-2 victory and a place in the final. The match finished 25-15, 24-26, 20-25, 25-19, 13-15 in Indonesia's favour.
The defeat meant India would face Bahrain once again in the bronze medal match.
Determined to bounce back after narrowly missing out on the final, India produced a composed performance against the defending champions.
They took the opening set 25-23 before Bahrain levelled the match with an identical 25-23 scoreline. India regained the advantage by claiming the third set 25-21 and sealed the contest with a commanding 25-17 win in the fourth set to secure a historic bronze medal.