Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jun 29: The Indian men’s volleyball team created history by winning its first-ever medal at the AVC Men’s Volleyball Cup 2026, securing a memorable bronze medal after defeating defending champions Bahrain in a thrilling encounter on June 28.

India registered a 3-1 victory (25-23, 23-25, 25-21, 25-17) in the bronze medal play-off, showcasing exceptional teamwork, confidence, and fighting spirit. The achievement marks a major milestone for Indian volleyball and reflects the team’s growing presence on the Asian stage under head coach Dragan Mihailovic.

The historic campaign began with a strong unbeaten run, as India dominated the group stage with victories over Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei, Bahrain, Australia, and New Zealand. The team’s impressive performances earned them a place in the semifinals for the first time in the tournament’s history.

Although India suffered a narrow defeat against Indonesia in the semifinal, the players bounced back strongly in the bronze medal match. With smart serving, strong defensive blocks, and disciplined attacks, India overpowered Bahrain to secure the historic medal.

The proud moment also holds special significance for Dakshina Kannada, as two talented players from the district contributed to India’s success. Ashwal Rai from Mangaluru, who represents the Indian national team, has been recognised as one of Asia’s top blockers and is a recipient of the prestigious Ekalavya Award. Anup D’Costa from Kundapura has also made his mark as an international universal attacker, representing India at major global competitions.

With the Asian Games ahead, India’s historic AVC Men’s Volleyball Cup performance has boosted hopes for a strong future in international volleyball and inspired a new generation of players.