Inp.polri.go.id - Surabaya. The Indonesian U-20 volleyball team has secured a semifinal spot in the Asian U-20 Championship by defeating India 3-1 (25-20, 25-23, 16-25, 25-18) at Jawa Pos Arena, Surabaya, on Saturday night (27/7/2024).

With this win, Indonesia joins Iran, South Korea, and Japan, who had already qualified for the semifinals. Iran beat Kazakhstan 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-22), South Korea overcame China 3-1 (25-16, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22), and Japan defeated Saudi Arabia 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-23).

Manager Loudry Maspaitella praised the team’s effort and strategic preparation against India’s strengths and weaknesses. 

“Our strategy worked well despite India’s strong and tall players,” he said, as quoted by antaranews.com.

Indonesia, supported by a crowd of thousands, started aggressively with Dawuda Alaihi, Darda Mulya, Farchan, and playmaker Fahril leading the attack. After a tight start, they won the first set 25-20.

In the second set, Indonesia initially led 18-13 but had to fight back after India equalized. They eventually won 25-23. India dominated the third set 25-16 but Indonesia regained control in the fourth set, finishing 25-18.

Indonesia will face Japan on Sunday to decide the winner of Group E, while Iran will compete against South Korea for Group F supremacy.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)