Indian spikers seal Olympic qualification berth

CHENNAI: The

Indian volleyball team

made it to the

Asian Olympic qualification tournament

which is scheduled to be held in China in January next year. The Mohan Ukkrapandian-led side defeated Oman 3-1 (22-25, 25-12, 25-21, 25-19) in their final group stage of the Asian men's championship in Tehran, Iran on Sunday. India - with two wins and one loss in the competition - finished second in Group C behind China which won all their games. The top-two finishers from each group make the cut.


The 131st ranked India started the campaign with a 3-2 (31-29, 14-25, 30-28, 18-25, 15-9) win over Kazakhstan - which is placed 39 in the world. However, India's fortunes soon hit rough weather as they went down to China 0-3 (16-25, 15-25, 21-25). The loss to China made the clash against Oman a must-win one. India didn't have the best of starts against Oman as they lost the opening set 22-25. However, they turned on the tables in the subsequent period of play and clinched the next three sets to reign supreme. The win showcased the tenacity of the side and brought to the fore India's never-say-die attitude.

Coach

Dragan Mihailovic

, who took over in May this year, rated this side highly. "This side surely has the potential but it's all about making the best use of it. The more we play against quality opponents, the more experienced this side will become. Only when we make the Olympic qualifiers, will this team able to showcase its skillset," Mihailovic told TOI earlier.