FUKUOKA, Japan – India advanced to the quarterfinals of the AVC Men’s Volleyball Asian Championship after narrowly beating Bahrain on point ratio in the final pool standings.
Bahrain ended their campaign with a convincing straight-sets victory over Oman, winning 25-16, 25-19, 25-23. The result pulled them level with India on victories, competition points and set ratio, but India retained the better point ratio to claim the last available place in the knockout stage.
Thailand, meanwhile, secured first place in Pool C after surviving a five-set battle against Chinese Taipei. Napadet Bhinijdee starred with 28 points, while Chaiwat Thungkham added 26 in the 3-2 win.
Iran topped Pool B following a 3-1 victory over China. Poriya Khanzadeh scored a match-high 20 points and Morteza Sharifi added 17.
The quarterfinals will see Thailand face Australia, Iran meet Chinese Taipei, Korea will play vs China with India taking on hosts Japan.
The championship also forms part of the qualification pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and the 2027 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Cup.
Results
Bahrain 3-0 Oman 25-16, 25-19, 25-23
Thailand 3-2 Chinese Taipei 25-23, 22-25, 23-25, 25-22, 15-10
Iran 3-1 China 25-23, 23-25, 25-22, 25-23