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Team Taiwan members proudly display gold medals won at the Asian Men’s U23 Volleyball Championship Aug. 11 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. (Courtesy of AVC Facebook)

Taiwan overcame a spirited India to claim its first gold in the Asian Men’s U23 Volleyball Championship Aug. 11 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
 
In a best-of-five matchup, Taiwan took the first two sets 25-21 and 25-20 on the strength of its robust defense and powerful attacks of opposite spiker Chang Yu-sheng. India fought back to capture the third set 25-19 before eventually succumbing 23-25.
 
According to championship organizer Bangkok-based Asian Volleyball Confederation, Taiwan dominated the 16-team tourney, losing only once to Pakistan in the preliminary before defeating Australia, Sri Lanka, China and Japan in that order to win a berth in the championship game.
 
Taiwan players also won three of the eight individual awards on offer at the event. Chang was named best opposite spiker; Jhang Yun-liang, best libero; and Chan Minhan, MVP.
 
First held in 2015, the biennial tournament is contested by the national teams of AVC countries. Taiwan finished third in the first two editions of the tournament. (SFC-E)