Ali Khamis’ shot is blocked by India’s John Joseph

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain’s national men’s volleyball team narrowly missed out on a podium finish at the AVC Men’s Cup after falling 3-1 to hosts India in yesterday’s bronze medal match in Ahmedabad.

The Kingdom side battled throughout the contest but were ultimately beaten 25-23, 23-25, 25-21, 25-17 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, ending their title defence with a fourth-place finish.

Outside hitter Mahmood Abdulwahed led Bahrain with 22 points, while Sayed Hashem Ali added 16 and opposite hitter Ali Khamis contributed nine.

India were inspired by opposite hitter Jerome Vinith, who produced a match-high 24 points, while Joel Jebaraj and Chirag Yadav chipped in with 17 apiece to help the hosts claim the bronze medal in front of their home supporters.

Under head coach Ivan Joksimovic, Bahrain made a strong start and narrowly dropped the opening set before responding to level the match with a 25-23 win in the second. India regained the upper hand by taking the third set 25-21 before pulling away late in the fourth to seal victory.

Bahrain matched the hosts for long spells, but India proved more efficient in attack, registering 66 successful spikes to Bahrain’s 53. The hosts also held the edge at the net with an 11-8 advantage in blocks, although Bahrain finished with more service aces, three to one.

The result capped another encouraging continental campaign for Bahrain, who reached the semi-finals after winning four of their five group-stage matches before falling to South Korea.

Although unable to retain the title they won on home soil last year, Bahrain leave India with another strong showing on the continental stage and valuable momentum ahead of the AVC Men’s Continental Championship in Japan this September.