TEHRAN – Iran lost to
Japan in straight sets (25-20, 25-18, 25-18) on Saturday to win the title of the 2023 Asian Volleyball Championship in Urmia, Iran.
Japan Yuji Nishida scored 15 points, while Milad Ebadipour led Iran with eight points.
Japan, nicknamed Ryujin Nippon, won the title for the 10th time.
Japan are the best Asian team in the FIVB ranking sitting in fifth place, while Iran is in the 10th place.
Earlier on Friday, Iran beat China 3-0 (25- 20, 25-23, 25-23) in the event.
South Korea and Iran have won the trophy four times each.
In the competition held in Urmia, Iran from Aug. 19 to 26, Behrouz Ataei’s side defeated Hong Kong 3-0 and Iraq 3-1 Pool A.
Iran then defeated Pakistan 3-0 in Round of 12 and beat China 3-0 to book a place in the final match.
Earlier in the day, Qatar defeated China 3-0 to win the bronze medal.