Sun, Nov 14 10 11:07 PM
S S Ramaswamy Guangzhou, Nov 14 (PTI) Indian men began their campaign in the Asian Games volleyball with a come-from-behind 3-1 victory over Kazakstan in a preliminary round match at the Guangyao Gymnasium today. India, initially weak in defence, recovered to post a 24-26 25-23 25-18 25-21 win over the former Soviet bloc region in Group B league in one hour and 41 minutes. India''s other league matches are scheduled against South Korea tomorrow, Vietnam (November 16) and North Korea (November 18). The Indian team attacked solidly with impressive displays by Sanjay Baniwari, Naveen Manidurai and Vibin George. Kazakstan took advantage of the India''s defensive lapses in the first set when they attacked with zest, as Marat Imangaliyev and Dmitriy Gorbatkov pierced their blocks to take the set in 26 minutes. Kazakhstan continued to dominate the early stages of the second set before India started to assert themselves when George and Gurinder created confusion in the rival ranks. The Kazakhs lost their focus when Imangliyev received a yellow card for arguing with the referee for a rotation error. Spiker Vitaly Erdshtein tried to rally his team but the Indians had taken control to win the second set. The third set was captured by India in 26 minutes before the Kazakhs, with defeat staring, tried hard to stage a comeback in the fourth. George was in his elements and India kept surprising the rival defence with precise touches and timely blocks. The Kazakhs fought tirelessly but it was too late and India took the last set in 21 minutes to emerge triumphant. For India, Pradeep spiked effectively and got good support from Manidurai and Gurinder Singh. Setter Mohan Ukkarapandian was also in good touch while K Sivasubramanian received well.
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