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India opened their AVC Men’s Volleyball Continental Championship campaign with a 0-3 defeat to China on Saturday, but pushed their higher-ranked opponents in a closely fought Pool B contest at the Kitakyushu City General Gymnasium in Japan.

India lost 21-25, 26-28, 25-27, with the second and third sets going beyond regulation points as China held its nerve in the closing stages.

The result leaves India needing a strong response in their remaining Pool B matches against Iran and New Zealand.

China, ranked around No. 37 in the world, were expected to provide a stern test for India, who are around No. 46. India had, however, entered the tournament with confidence after winning bronze at the AVC Men’s Volleyball Cup in Ahmedabad in June, their first podium finish in the competition.

India went unbeaten through the pool stage of that tournament with a 5-0 record before defeating defending champions Bahrain 3-1 in the bronze-medal match. They had lost a dramatic 2-3 semifinal to Indonesia.

Captain Jerome Vinith and attacker Chirag Yadav were among India’s key performers during that campaign.

India face crucial Iran test

The AVC Championship carries added significance, with the winners earning a direct berth in the men’s volleyball competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

India are in a demanding Pool B alongside China, Iran and New Zealand. The top two teams from each pool, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals.

India will face Iran on September 6 before taking on New Zealand on September 8.

India’s remaining Pool B fixtures:

India vs Iran: September 6, 6:30 PM IST

India vs New Zealand: September 8, 6:30 AM IST

Iran, ranked No. 19 in the world, are the strongest team in the group on paper, making the New Zealand fixture particularly important for India’s hopes of progressing.

India’s defeat to China also ends a positive run into the continental championship, but the narrow margins offer encouragement. They remained within a few points throughout the contest and twice took the match beyond 25 points.

India’s best finish at the Asian Championship remains fourth place in 2005, while their last quarterfinal appearance came in 2013.

With two pool matches remaining, the Indian team will now look to convert its competitive performance against China into points against Iran and New Zealand.