Jiangmen, China, July 3, 2024 – India bounced back from losing the first two sets to beat Hong Kong, China in well-fought five sets 16-25, 22-25, 25-20, 25-16, 15-7 to finish second in Pool B and join Japan in the round of last 8 in the 22nd Asian Women’s U20 Volleyball Championship at the Jiangmen Sports Center Gymnasium on Wednesday.
Opposite Arasu Ananthi scored a match-high 24 points from 22 kills and 2 aces, while outside hitter and skipper Kavita and Kaenwar Raksha Vinod contributed 21 and 11 points respectively. Tang Sum Yuen led Hong Kong, China with 19 points including 17 kills from 50 attempts.
India and Hong Kong, China had lost their opening match to Japan and both sides faced a must-win situation in this match. However, following the win, India advanced to the round of last 8, while Hong Kong, China were relegated to classification round for 9th-12th places.
Hong Kong, China started well in the first set, with Tang Sum Yuen and Lee Wai Ching firing some good shots to help the team take an initial 13-9 lead. India hit back, but their attempts could not do that much as Hong Kong, China solidified their defence, allowing the rivals’ tough times to score. Hong Kong, China extended the lead to 20-12 and 24-14. India saved two sets points before Hong Kong, China went on their attack to take the first set 25-16.
The second set was more competitive as India counter-attacked well to trail from 8-11 and swiftly catch them at 13-13 and went ahead 18-16. However, Hong Kong, China still played cool under pressure. With Tang Sum Yuen attacking powerfully, they caught the Indians at 20-20 and went on their good show to reach set point 24-20. India added two more points before a service error from Khenwar Raksha Vinod lifted Hong Kong, China the set win 25-22.
Going down two straight sets, India gained the upper hand in the third set to lead 12-8, thanks to some fine shots from Kavita. After that, they upped their tempo to stretch it to 22-17 and never looked back since then. India took the set 25-20.
India still performed well in the fourth set, as Kavita and Arasu Ananthi became the two key weapons with their aggressive attacks. Despite putting up a good fight, Hong Kong, China found the Indians uncatchable. India led from start to finish 25-16, forcing the tie-breaker.
In the decider, India lived up to expectations. Kavita and Arasu Ananthi provided most of the ammunition in India’s attacks throughout the set. As India were leading for good 13-7, Kavita hit two deadly cross-court spikes to steer the team to 15-7 win.
“My girls had a very good performance. We watched Hong Kong, China’s tape in their match yesterday and planned how to play them today. I’m very happy with the win. I’m proud of Kavita. She is still young with 18 years of age. She had already played with India national team in the AVC Challenge Cup for Women in the Philippines early this year,” said India head coach Harilal Thankappan.
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