Indonesia's women's volleyball team dropped a match to Japan at the 2026 Asian Games, but not before taking a set off its opponent and pushing the Japanese side, according to CNN Indonesia. The result did not end Indonesia's tournament: the team still qualified for the quarterfinals, the Ministry of Youth and Sports reported.
CNN Indonesia described the Indonesian players as making things difficult for Japan despite the loss. Mediol Stiovanny Yoku gave his response after the defeat, Kompas.com reported, though the details of his comments were not included in the available material.
Indonesia's path to the last eight also included a dominant win over Nepal. Tribrata News reported that the Indonesian women's team beat Nepal 3-0 without conceding a set.
The quarterfinal draw sets up a meeting with Thailand. CNN Indonesia reported that Indonesia will face Thailand in the quarterfinals of the Asian Games volleyball competition.
Indonesia's campaign now moves to the knockout stage, where the margin for error narrows. The team's ability to take a set from Japan suggests it can compete against stronger opposition, but the Thailand match will show whether that performance can be repeated over a full match.