Asian Games 2026: Pakistan knocks Indian men's volleyball team out in quarter-final clash

Nagoya: The Indian men's volleyball team's Asian Games 2026 campaign concluded on Thursday following a 0-3 straight-sets defeat to traditional rivals Pakistan in the quarter-finals at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

India, who kept pace during the early stages, suffered a 19-25, 23-25, 18-25 loss as Pakistan clinched a place in the semi-finals, according to ESPN.

The Indians remained competitive through much of the opening set before a five-point surge midway through allowed Pakistan to take command. India were unable to mount a recovery as Pakistan closed out the set 25-19.

The second set proved particularly frustrating for India. Leading 19-16 and well positioned to level the match, a flurry of errors at a crucial juncture allowed Pakistan to regain the upper hand. Pakistan eventually edged the set 25-23, leaving India with no margin for error.

India struggled to stage a fightback in the third set as Pakistan maintained their grip to seal the quarter-final tie with a 25-18 victory.

Earlier in the day, India guaranteed a medal in men's sepaktakraw after overcoming Vietnam 2-0 in their Group A quadrant fixture. The win, their second consecutive victory, confirmed India's spot in the semi-finals and assured them of a podium finish.

In wrestling, Mansi Ahlawat advanced to the women's 62kg quarter-finals after defeating Kazakhstan's Irina Kuznetsova 6-1 in the round of 16. Mansi, a former World Championships bronze medallist in the 59kg division, controlled the bout and denied her opponent any opportunity to settle. She will meet South Korea's Jo Su-been in the last eight.

Yamini Mourya also moved into the quarter-finals of the women's 57kg judo competition by defeating Qatar's Fatena Bu-Qahoos by ippon. She is set to face Mongolia's Ariunzaya Terbish in the last-eight stage.

India experienced setbacks in archery and taekwondo. Chikitha Taniparthi suffered a narrow 143-144 loss to Indonesia's Nurisa Dian Ashrifah in the compound women's individual quarter-finals, whilst Rupa Bayor was eliminated after placing 15th in the women's individual poomsae semi-final.

In cycling, Harshveer Singh Sekhon finished 10th in the opening race of the men's omnium, holding 22 points with three races remaining.

India entered Day 12 holding eighth place in the medal standings with 62 medals — comprising 10 gold, 21 silver, and 31 bronze.

ANI