History of Indian men's volleyball team at Asian Games

India men's volleyball team qualified for quarter-finals of the ongoing Asian Games at Hangzhou, China.

The Indian volleyball team qualified for quarter-final in the ongoing Asian Games men's volleyball competition after beating Chinese Taipei (3-0) in pre-quarter final match. India commenced their campaign with straight sets win over Cambodia (3-0). They showcased a commanding performance, showing their skills, power, amazing gameplay and tactics on the court.

They bagged a historical and upset win over world rank 26 & Asian Games 2018 Silver medalists South Korea in an intense battle with a score-line of thrilling 5 sets (25-27, 29-27, 25-22, 20-25,17-15), securing the top position in the group stage & securing position in the knockout stage.

In the round of 12, India once again showed a commanding performance. With their chemistry and combination against world ranked 43 & Asian Games 2018 Bronze medalists Chinese Taipei, they secured another upset win over higher ranked opponents in straight sets (25-22,25-22,25-21) and set a clash against Asian giants Japan in last eight.

In this article, we will browse into India’s illustrious legacy in the domain of Volleyball, exploring its noteworthy achievements in the Asian Games throughout the years.

History of men's volleyball competition in Asian Games

The Asian Games is an esteemed multi-sport tournament held for the countries of Asian continent. In the games history, Men's Volleyball is highly anticipated event that showcases the remarkable skills and talents of senior men’s national teams representing the respective members of the Asian Continent.

Volleyball made its debut in 1958 Tokyo Asian Games edition featuring the participation of five national teams. The distinguished honor of claiming the first gold medal was achieved by the Japan men’s national volleyball team. Subsequently, in the succeeding edition held in 1962 Jakarta Asian Games, it was once again Japan men’s national volleyball team that emerged as the triumphant victors.

The interval between multi sports events is four years, however, in mid of 2022, due to rise of Covid-19 cases in host country, China, Asian Games got postponed for 1 year till 2023.

India’s performance in men’s volleyball competition at Asian Games

Indian volleyball team participated in the debut edition of Men's Volleyball in 1958 Tokyo Asian Games , where they secured a Bronze medal by defeating Philippines in 3rd place match.

Indian volleyball team has participated in 14 out of the 17 editions in men's volleyball competition including the ongoing 17th edition of volleyball. Over the course of the past decade, India achieved their best results in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games edition by securing the fifth position where they defeated Qatar at Song Gymnasium, Incheon in South Korea.

India’s best performance in Asian Games Men’s Volleyball events:

Silver medal (1962 Jakarta Asian Games)

India achieved their best result in the Asian games with a maiden Silver medal in Asian Games 1962.

The Volleyball Sport at 1962 edition took place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from the 25th August to 2nd of September. The tournament featured the participation of 9 teams, with India assigned to pool B alongside Myanmar and Cambodia as fellow contenders.

India commenced their campaign with a resounding triumph over Myanmar, emerging victorious in three consecutive sets. Subsequently, they continued their winning streak by overcoming the challenge posed by Cambodia, once again securing victory in straight sets. India secured top spot in the pool B.

In 1962 edition, there were 9 teams total in men's volleyball competition, the 9 teams were divided into 3 different groups. So the top two teams from each group were placed in a single group which was called final group at that time and the remaining three teams placed in a group which was called Group 7-9. India were placed in final group alongside Japan, Pakistan, South Korea, Indonesia and Myanmar.

There were no playoffs at that time so the medals had been decided according to teams ranking in final group. Indian volleyball team secured 2nd place in the group securing an esteemed maiden silver medal, They won all their matches except the match against Japan, while fighting hard in 5 sets (15-9,6-15,15-9,8-15,12-15). Japan clinched gold with 1st position, while Pakistan won bronze through 3rd ranking in final group.

It is worth nothing that Japan stand as the most successful team in the men's volleyball at Asian Games, clinching a gold medal with record of eight times.