Hangzhou Asian Games: Japan puts up a Volleyball master-class to outclass India 

India’s dream of a medal ends with Japan's win. Despite strong performances, India's lack of experience and resources prove costly as Japan's depth in quality and experience lead to a straight set win. India's players battle off-court too, with limited opportunities and lack of recognition for the PVL.

On paper, it appeared like there was a chance. A sliver, maybe. The Indian men were riding high from their triple wins in their previous matches, including the upsets of South Korea and Chinese Taipei. World No. 5 Japan was up next. Japan had sent its second-string team to the Asian Games, with its recent Asian Championship-winning squad building up towards the Olympics 2024 qualifiers.

But Japan’s backup men displayed the depth in quality to snuff out the tiny possibility of a shock result with a straight set 25-16, 25-18, 25-17 dismantling of India in the top six clash here at the China Textile Sports City Centre Gymnasium on Sunday.

“This was our chance,” felt setter Appavu Muthusamy. “These three teams we played were all kind of equal [in level].”

The level he is referring to, though, comprises players who have played in the Olympics and play in top club teams. Nine of the 11 players are part of Japan’s premier volleyball league, V League, made up of 10 strong teams. Four of 11 represent the clubs which are ranked among the top 50 clubs in the world. They are also part of the bronze-winning group at the Volleyball Nations League, having the exposure of playing overseas from June till July. Japan and defending Asian Games gold-medallist Iran are the only two Asian nations to play alongside the world’s elite this year.

For the Indians, their limited opportunities in West Asia have been put on hold since COVID-19 in 2020. The Volleyball Federation of India, which is currently suspended – a second instance in the space of seven years – due to several grievances within the setup, did not recognise the privately-run Prime Volleyball League (PVL), which aims to professionalise the sport and improve the conditions for the players.

This year the PVL was slated in February-March at the same time as the Senior National Championships, leaving the players to choose between the two competitions. The players, who are part of the Asian Games, opted to play in the PVL. It was the Sports Ministry-placed Ad Hoc committee, which chose the squad for the Asian Championships and the Asiad. In India, the players’ battles extend beyond the floors too. Last year, Kerala’s players had to move the High Court in order to play in the National Games.

Against these odds, India’s chances seemed over before even the ball went up for the first serve.