TEHRAN - The Iranian U-16 Volleyballers played against Japan in the semifinals of the Asian Championship in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand on Friday.
Iranian side defeated Japan in three thrilling straight sets (25-20, 25-22, 25-19) and advanced to the finals.
India lost 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-12) to Pakistan in the event. 
It was India’s second loss in the tournament after Thursday’s 3-1 (23-25, 25-15, 25-12, 25-23) defeat against Japan which determined the semifinal lineup.
All four semifinalists - India, Pakistan, Japan and Iran - have qualified for 2026 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U-17 World Championship.
This top-tier continental event is being held from July 12 to 19 in Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi, Thailand, gathering 16 formidable teams from across Asia to vie not only for regional supremacy but also for four coveted berths at the 2026 Boys’ U-17 World Championship.
The top three teams of the tournament will qualify for the 2026 World Championship as the AVC representatives.