Pakistan defeated India in straight sets on Thursday to reach the Asian Games 2026 men’s volleyball semi-finals in Japan.
Pakistan won 25–19, 25–23, 25–18 at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium, keeping their medal hopes alive. The victory marked Pakistan’s second successive win over India at the Asian Games.
Strong attacking, effective blocking and determined defence helped Pakistan control the quarter-final. India mounted their strongest challenge in the second set, but Pakistan recovered before dominating the third.
Pakistan withstand second-set challenge
Pakistan took the opening set 25–19, establishing an early advantage through cleaner finishing at the net. India struggled to contain their attacking pressure.
The second set brought a much closer contest. Both teams exchanged points before India moved into a 19–16 lead, threatening to level the match.
However, Pakistan responded with three consecutive points to draw level. They then moved 21–19 ahead, turning a three-point deficit into a two-point advantage.
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India continued to resist, but Pakistan reached set point at 24–22. India saved the first before Pakistan secured the set 25–23.
Pakistan’s improved reception and sharper digging helped sustain rallies during this period. Their defensive recovery repeatedly forced India to play another ball, increasing the pressure on their attack.
The comeback left Pakistan one set from the semi-finals. India, meanwhile, needed to win three consecutive sets to keep their medal challenge alive.
Third-set surge seals victory
Pakistan carried that momentum into the third set, winning the first three points before India opened their account.
India reduced the deficit to 3–2 and later stayed within two points at 6–4. However, Pakistan extended their advantage to 8–4 before moving 14–9 ahead.
The gap widened further at 17–10 as Pakistan combined pressure at the net with disciplined defence. India struggled to build a sustained response.
Pakistan reached match point at 24–16, giving themselves a substantial cushion. India saved two match points, but Pakistan converted the third to finish the set 25–18 in 25 minutes.
Players from both teams shook hands at the net after the match.
Attacking strength underpins semi-final place
Pakistan collected 75 points overall against India’s 60. They scored 50 points through spikes, compared with India’s 33, and led the blocking count six to four.
Murad Khan was credited with 22 points, including 21 from spikes and one from service. Usman Faryad added nine, Mohammad Hamad eight and Musawir Khan seven.
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Pakistan had opened their campaign with a 3–1 victory over Kazakhstan. The Pakistan Volleyball Federation recorded those set scores as 25–16, 25–22, 17–25, 25–20.
They subsequently defeated Uzbekistan before losing to hosts Japan, finishing second in Pool A. Against India, Pakistan regained winning form when it mattered, securing a place among the tournament’s final four.
