Manila, Philippines, May 22, 2024 – India swept Iran 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-21) in the opening match of Pool A of the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women on Wednesday afternoon in the Philippine capital’s Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
India captain Jini Kovat Shaji displayed her leadership on the court, enabling sound decision-making in offense.
“I feel very proud and very happy with the performance of the team today. Iran is a very good team, no doubt.
“For this match, we focused on our service and we were able to get good results with this game plan,” she said.
Indeed, India connected with a total of six service aces, as they imposed service pressure onto their opponents.
Meanwhile, Iran looked to play within their known system, mostly loading their offense at the wing. They connected from the attacks of captain Aytak Salamat and Elaheh Poorsaleh.
India proved that they could run a good game at the middle, but mostly, they showed how craftily and creatively they could convert in transition plays. Their backcourt played steadily enough to sustain, and win long rallies. When they needed to set the flanks, they varied their attacks in both angle and speed and connected successfully.
By the second set, Iran looked more to utilize their middles in both attack and block. They knew they could run the game in this way but their opponents deployed the necessary adjustment.
India opened up their offense a bit more, distributing the plays with much variety. Setter Jini enabled the momentum of her hitters Shaalini Saravanan and Anagha Radhakrishnan who delivered in crucial plays of the second set.
India continued to play with much composure, even in crucial moments of the third set. Coach Jai Narain commented “Somehow, we are used to a slow start, with the opponents ahead by 5 or 6 points, and then we are able to adjust.
“Mainly, the experience of my players gives a psychological stability that makes them deliver in difficult moments. Like what my captain said, we played well in service and made very minimal errors from the service line,” he added.
Anusree Kambrath Poyilil delivered a total of 15 points, including a service winner and an attack to seal victory in the third set.
India placed fourth in the 2023 edition and now look to focus on a podium finish.
“ As the captain and one of the senior players of the team, I want to make sure that all players perform well. I lead the team by just simply supporting them, and making them bring out the best effort in our hopes for win a medal this time” Jini added.
India and Iran will next play against Chinese Taipei as Pool A continues in the Philippines’ capital city.
Follow the Competition Page for the full schedule, results, and photos.
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