India bow out of AVC Men's Volleyball Continental Championship 2026 after quarter-final defeat to Japan
(Courtesy : Volleyball World)
This is India’s best performance in the competition since 2019
The Indian men’s volleyball team crashed out of the AVC Men’s Volleyball Continental Championship 2026 after losing to World No. 6 Japan in straight sets in the quarter-finals on Friday, September 11.
Dragan Mihailovic’s side produced another decent display but lacked enough to challenge a far superior Japan side on the day, going down 17-25, 15-25, 19-25 to advance to the semi-finals.
They will now face South Korea for a place in the summit clash. Meanwhile, Iran and Australia also won their quarter-final matches and will meet in the other semi-final.
Related: India vs Japan Quarter-final Highlights, AVC Men’s Volleyball Continental Championship 2026
Japan dominate right from the start
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Despite giving their all, India fell short of the semi-final spot in this Continental Cup. Japan dominated most of the opening two sets. In addition, India’s nervy start didn’t help, leading to a totally one-sided result in the first two sets.
India coach Dragan Mihailovic also pointed that out in the mid-match interview, calling for his boys to calm themselves down. The difference was clearly visible in the third set, where India played a much better game and kept it close until the end, before Japan cruised away to claim the match in straight sets.
Related: What is India’s best finish at AVC Men’s Volleyball Continental Championship?
India captain Jerome Vinith was once again the standout player with 11 points, followed by Chirag Yadav, who scored six points. Additionally, Takahashi Ran (14), Yuji Nishida (12) and Yuki Ishikawa (12) dominated the attack for Japan get them over the line against India.
India face Asian Games test
With this defeat, India’s journey in the AVC Men’s Volleyball Continental Championship drew to an end, but they have another massive challenge lined up ahead, right at the end of this month.
In the post-match interview, India’s coach said he was pleased with the team’s performance. He noted that facing higher-ranked sides was a valuable learning experience and added that the team will head into the Asian Games in a couple of weeks with better preparation and aim for improved results.
How did India fare at the AVC Men’s Volleyball Continental Championship 2026?
India reached the quarter-finals of the AVC Men’s Volleyball Continental Championship 2026, where they lost to Japan in straight sets.
Has India ever won the AVC Men’s Volleyball Continental Championship?
No, India is yet to win the AVC Men’s Volleyball Continental Championship.
What’s next for the Indian men’s volleyball team?
The Indian men’s volleyball team will next be in action at the Asian Games 2026, with the volleyball competition starting on September 27.
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