A balanced Belarus offense edged host India 25-21, 22-25, 25-23, 20-25, 15-11.
Both teams are now 1-1 in Pool A and remain alive for spot in the top eight second round. India concludes Pool A on Aug. 2 against the United States (2-0) at 18:00, while Belarus plays Tunisia at 14:00. The top two teams from each first-round pool advances to second round 1-8 classification matches to be held Aug. 4-6. The bottom two teams in each first-round pool falls to the second round 9-16 classification matches.
Andrei Mikhnevich led six Belarus players in double-figure scoring with 17 points in the victory, while Pavel Audochanka added 15 points. Artur Udrys tacked on 14 points. Jacob Manidurai Naveen Raja paced India with a match-high 18 points, while Singh Gurinder added 11 points. Mandeep Singh chipped in 10 points in the loss.
Belarus held a 16-12 block advantage and out-scored India 65-44 on attack. India remained close in the match by benefiting from Belarus’ 44 errors while it had only 23 miscues.
India Head Coach M.H. Kumara: India Captain Mandeep Singh: Belarus Head Coach Aliaksandr Herasimau: Belarus Head Captain Mikalai Shkliar:
“Belarus was a very tall team and blocked well. We also had the stress of attempting to qualify into the second round top eight with a victory.”
“In the fifth set, it was very difficult to catch up after falling behind. We lost because of a lot of silly mistakes.”
“We were very physical and mentally prepared for this match.”
“India has very strong players and it was a very difficult match.”
