India produced a remarkable comeback against Qatar on Tuesday, overturning a two-set deficit to win 3-2 and secure a place in the men’s volleyball quarter-finals at the 2026 Asian Games.
The Indian team prevailed 26-28, 25-27, 25-23, 25-20, 24-22 in a marathon Pool C contest that lasted two hours and 47 minutes, completing their third victory of the tournament.
Qatar edge two tight opening sets
India came within touching distance of taking the opening set but were unable to convert their opportunities when it mattered.
Despite earning two set points, the Indian side failed to close it out as Qatar produced a late surge to take the opener 28-26.
The second set followed a similar pattern. India established a four-point advantage but again struggled to hold their nerve at the crucial stage, with Qatar edging the set 27-25 to move within one set of victory.
India begin the comeback
With their campaign on the line, India responded in the third set.
The Indian team held firm through another closely fought battle and finally converted their opportunities to win 25-23, cutting Qatar’s lead to 2-1.
That victory shifted the momentum, and India carried it into the fourth set.
Decisive fifth set goes down to the wire
India maintained control in the fourth set and secured a 25-20 victory to level the match at 2-2.
The contest then went to a deciding fifth set, with both teams battling for every point in an increasingly tense finish.
India eventually prevailed 24-22 to complete the comeback and seal a 3-2 victory.
India through to Asian Games quarter-finals
The win gave India their third victory in Pool C and confirmed their place in the last eight.
All four men’s volleyball quarter-finals at the Asian Games will be played on Thursday, with India now turning their attention to the knockout stage after one of the most dramatic comebacks of their campaign.