Jakarta, IO – Japan The Indonesian Women’s Volleyball Team learned a valuable lesson after facing host Japan in their second match in Group A of the indoor volleyball event at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. In the match, held at Park Arena Komaki, Aichi, the Indonesian women’s volleyball team lost 1-3 to Japan.
The team, led by Mediol Stiovanny Yoku, was enthusiastic about facing Japan, which is considered a world-class volleyball team. The Indonesian team started the match solidly and tried to put up a fight against the hosts.
In the first set, Medi and co. were immediately forced to concede a 19-25 victory toJapanese Team. Japan’s lead continued in the second set, 25-13, as the Red and White Team was unable to put up any significant resistance to Japan’s sharp attacks.
In the third set, the hosts appeared stronger in containing Indonesia’s attacks. However, Indonesia remained focused and played with a relaxed attitude. As a result, in the third set, the Indonesian team managed to take a set from Japan with a score of 25-23.
Entering the fourth set, the Indonesian and Japanese teams traded attacks again. Indonesia even led by up to 18 points. However, Yukiko Wada and her teammates were able to turn the tide and break the Indonesian team’s dominance, ultimately leading Japan to the fourth set with a score of 25-23, thus securing the match.
“I’m really excited to meet Japan, I can’t wait. Wow, when else will I get to play against Japanese players? The goal from the start against Japan was to gain experience. We know Japan is a VNL (Volleyball Nations League) team with world-class players. From the start, the important thing for us was to enjoy ourselves, nothing to lose. On the court, I said, ‘Let’s just play, whatever the result, we’ll enjoy ourselves, and play as usual,’” said Mediol, team captain.
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Mediol, who scored 20 points in the match, admitted to learning many valuable lessons from the match against Japan. He was also satisfied with his team’s performance amidst the onslaught of teams that are regulars in the world-class tournament.
“I’m very satisfied and proud of my teammates. They were able to enjoy the game. There were nerves, but even though we were under pressure, we remained focused on passing, attacking, and getting points.”
“The Japanese played really well, especially their blocking and defense. They were really good. In terms of focus, they weren’t that different from us, so maybe it was about playing fast and playing diligently on defense,” Medi concluded.
Next, the Indonesian Women’s Volleyball Team will face Thailand in the quarterfinals, scheduled for September 20, 2026, at 8 a.m. (rp)
