Kathmandu, September 16
Nepal suffered a straight-sets defeat to Japan in their opening match of the women’s volleyball competition at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Wednesday.
Nepal lost 25–8, 25–12 and 25–11 against Japan, who are ranked sixth in the FIVB women’s world rankings and are the top-ranked team in Asia.
Japan dominated the match from the outset, leaving Nepal with little opportunity to challenge the hosts.
Nepal will play their second group-stage match against Indonesia on Thursday.
A victory against Indonesia would keep Nepal’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive, while a defeat would send them into the classification matches.
Japan are ranked sixth and Nepal 69th in the latest FIVB world rankings. Indonesia are ranked 53rd globally.
In the Asian rankings, Indonesia are ninth while Nepal are 11th.
Nepal are competing in Group A alongside Japan and Indonesia. The women’s volleyball team is making its second consecutive appearance at the Asian Games.
