Asian Games 2026: India suffers straight-set defeat to Pakistan in men’s volleyball quarterfinal

The result meant India’s wait for a volleyball medal in the Asian Games would extend to at least 44 years — its last medal, a bronze, came in 1986. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

India suffered a disappointing straight-set defeat to Pakistan in the men’s volleyball quarterfinals at the Asian Games 2026 on Thursday.

Pakistan entered the semifinals by overpowering India 19-25, 23-25, 18-25 in a one-sided contest.

Murad Khan led the charge for Pakistan with his relentless smashing from the right wing. The 26-year-old topped the scoring chart with 19 points, converting 18 of the 33 spikes he attempted. To put it in context, India’s highest scorer was Ashwal Rai with nine points.

Stat highlights

India

Spikes: 33/81 (41%)

Blocks: 4/44 (10%)

Digs: 7/28 (25%)

Pakistan

Spikes: 50/83 (61%)

Blocks: 6/31 (20%)

Digs: 17/44 (39%)

Pakistan banked on Murad’s potency to exert a steady control throughout the match. India didn’t help its cause with a string of service errors and net faults, while its lead attacker Jerome Vinith had an off day. The Indian skipper managed just eight points, landing just six of his 19 smashes.

The result meant India’s wait for a volleyball medal in the Asian Games would extend to at least 44 years — its last medal, a bronze, came in 1986.

Pakistan will now finish in the top four in volleyball at the Asian Games for the first time in 64 years.

Published on Oct 01, 2026

Latest on Sportstar

1. Live Blog 2026-10-01T05:16:06+05:30

   Asian Games 2026 Live Updates Day 13: India loses to Pakistan in volleyball quarterfinals; Chikitha out in compound archery quarters; shooting scores
2. Asian Games 2026: India suffers straight-set defeat to Pakistan in men’s volleyball quarterfinal

3. Live Blog 2026-10-01T09:00:40+05:30

   India vs Sri Lanka, Asian Games 2026 LIVE score: IND, SL eye final berth; toss at 9:30AM IST