Indonesia Pushes China Before Falling in U-18 Asian Volleyball Opener

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's U-18 men's volleyball team showed encouraging potential despite losing to host China in its opening match of the 2026 Asian Men's U-18 Volleyball Championship, a tournament that also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIVB U-19 Men's World Championship.

Playing at Haikou Wuyuanhe Gymnasium in Haikou on Sunday, July 12, 2026, Indonesia pushed the tournament host before falling 3-1 (25-23, 26-24, 21-25, 25-20) in its first Group A match, Antara reported.

Indonesia matched China's intensity from the opening set and stayed level until the closing points, but the home side remained composed to edge the set 25-23.

The second set was equally competitive, with Indonesia briefly taking the lead before China rallied to claim a narrow 26-24 victory. Trailing by two sets, Indonesia responded with a disciplined defensive display and effective attacking play to win the third set 25-21 and extend the contest.

China regained control in the fourth set, maintaining its advantage before sealing the match with a 25-20 win.

The result leaves Indonesia without a point in the Group A standings, but its chances of reaching the quarterfinals remain intact with two group-stage matches still to play.

Indonesia will face Taiwan on Monday, July 13, before concluding the group phase against Hong Kong on Tuesday, July 14.

Indonesia is competing in Group A alongside China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The top two teams will advance to the quarterfinals, while the remaining teams will compete for the ninth to 16th places.

The 2026 Asian Men's U-18 Volleyball Championship runs from July 12 to 18 and features 16 teams. The tournament also serves as Asia's qualification event for the 2027 FIVB U-19 Men's World Championship, with the four semifinalists earning spots at the global tournament. ***