TEHRAN – Iran lost to India 3-0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-11) in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women on Wednesday and finished in sixth place.

Iran had lost to India 3-0 in their opening match in Pool A.

India ran a solid game with Soorya making the most out of the middle attack. She posted 15 points to lead all scorers on the board. 

“To be honest, we were sad that we didn’t finish well in our Pool, but today we got back that feeling of happiness that we could win the fifth-place match. My team played very well today, with the help and the support of the coaches,” Soorya said. 

Anagha Radnakrishnan (13 points) and Anusree Kambrath Poyilil (10 points) contributed in double digits in the victory, asianvolleyball.net reported.  

Iran looked to its usual scorers like captain Aytak Salamat and Hedieh Taleifarkhondeh, but they seemed unable to establish their own tempo. They could pass the ball around and set their hitters but they were not making the much-needed decisive attacks.   

India made it to the Final Four in 2023 in Indonesia, but failed to make it to the podium. Iran likewise downgrade their previous performance, from 5th place in Surabaya to 6th place in Manila.  

Vietnam will meet Kazakhstan in the final match, while Australia and the Philippines play for the bronze medal.