Ahmedabad/India, June 20 (QNA) - Qatar's men's volleyball team began their 2026 Asian Men's Volleyball Cup campaign with a narrow 3-2 loss to Oman in their opening Group B match on Friday at the tournament being held in Ahmedabad, India, which runs through June 29.

Qatar made an impressive start to the contest, taking the first two sets 25-19 and 25-21 to move within one set of victory. However, Oman mounted a strong comeback, edging the third set 27-25 before claiming the fourth 25-22 to force a decisive fifth set.

In a closely contested tie-break, Oman prevailed 15-13 to complete the comeback and secure a 3-2 victory.

The draw placed Qatar in Group B alongside South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and Oman. Group A features host nation India, Australia, Bahrain, Chinese Taipei, Kazakhstan, and New Zealand.

Qatar will continue its campaign against Thailand on Sunday before facing Indonesia on Monday. The team will then take on Bahrain on June 25 and conclude its preliminary-round schedule against South Korea on June 26, as it seeks to secure one of the qualification spots for the knockout stages. (QNA)