Asian Games, volleyball: India beat Chinese Taipei 3-0
The Indian men's volleyball team has secured a historic 3-0 triumph over Chinese Taipei in the Round of 12 match of the 2023 Asian Games on September 22. The Indian side put up a dominating show and won the first two sets 25-22 apiece. Though Chinese Taipei displayed a valiant fightback in the following set, India eventually crossed the line (25-21). Here is more.
Solid show from India
Amit displayed another emphatic show and accounted for 16 points, the most in the game. The veteran duo of Vinit (12) and Ashwal (14) shared 26 points together. Ashwal has now raced past 50 points in three matches and would be raring to extend his great run. Erin Varghese also did exceedingly well and returned with 11 points against Chinese Taipei.
Third win on the trot
It was indeed a remarkable performance from the Indian team as Chinese Taipei are ranked 44th in the world. India meanwhile hold the 73rd position. The Indian side made it to the top 12 with comprehensive victories over South Korea and Cambodia. Notably, South Korea, ranked 27 in the world, were among the favorites to get the glory.
India to meet Japan
With this win, India have advanced to the top six in the event. India will face world number 5 Japan in the quarter-finals. The Indian side has just a solitary victory in six volleyball matches against Japan.
India eye their fourth medal
Volleyball was introduced at the Asian Games in the 1958 edition where the Indian men's side won the bronze medal. India Men were the runners-up in 1962, having lost to Japan. This remains India's best Asian Games performance in volleyball. India won their last volleyball medal in 1986 (bronze). Notably, India Women are yet to clinch an Asian Games medal in volleyball.
A look at Indian men's volleyball squad
Squad: Amit, Vinit Kumar, Shameemudheen Ammarambath, Muthusamy Appavu, Hari Prasad Bevinakuppe Suresha, Rohit Kumar, Manoj Lakshmipuram Manjunatha, Ukkrapandian Mohan, Ashwal Rai, Santhosh Sahaya Anthoni Raj, Guru Prasanth Subramanian Venkatasubbu, and Erin Varghese.
