India finished fifth in the 5th Asian Womens Volleyball Challenge Cup, defeating Iran by 3-0 sets in their last classification match at Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila, Philippines today. Vietnam retained the title, beating Kazakhstan in the final by 3-0 sets. Philippines claimed the bronze medal with a 3-0 win over Australia.

The 14-member Indian team, featuring part-time Odisha player Ananya Das and led by Jini Kovat Shaji, played six matches in the eight-day championship. The Indian team won four and lost two. Former Odisha international Lotak Bindu Dash also represented the Indian team as assistant coach.

The Indian womens team also included coach Jai Narain, assistant coach Ravindra Banshtu and manager Vivek Solanki. India has finished fourth in the fourth edition of the Asian Womens Volleyball Challenge Cup in 2023.

INDIA RESULTS:

May 22: Indian beat Iran 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-21).
May 23: Indian beat Chinese Taipei 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-16).
May 24: India lost to Philippines 1-3 (25-22, 21-25, 17-25, 18-25).
May 25: India lost to Australia 1-3 (24-26, 16-25, 25-19, 27-29).
May 28: India beat Indonesia 3-1 (25-16, 30-32, 25-20 & 27-25).
May 29: Indian beat Iran 3-0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-11).
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PHOTO: Players, coaches and support staff of the Indian team pose at the Asian Womens Volleyball Challenge Cup in Manila on 28 May 2024.