Nepal men’s volleyball team crashed out from the Asian Games (Asiad) as they suffered their second consecutive defeat going down against the game’s global superpower Iran at the China Textile Covered Hall in Hangzhou on Wednesday.

Nepal, which was defeated by Bahrain in fourth set in their opening match of Group ‘B’ on Tuesday, lost the game 25-9, 25-15, 25-13 against Iran, the Asian Games men’s volleyball gold medalists of the last two editions.

Playing against the mighty opponents, Nepal’s coach Hann Abing instructed his team before the kickoff that earning eight points in each set would be like victory for the side. The team lived up to expectations. The second defeat in the three-team group meant Nepal wrapped up their campaign winless. Iran and Bahrain both progressed into the next stage.

Despite the comprehensive defeat, Nepal had led the second sets on two occasions but failed to maintain that. “Everyone is aware about the strength of the Iran men’s volleyball squad. Getting an opportunity to play against them is itself a matter of joy for us,” Nepal’s captain Man Bahadur Shrestha said.

“We also played well against Bahrain on Tuesday. We could do much better if we get opportunities to play and good coaching,” added Shrestha.