Indian men spikers gave a gritty fight against last edition silver medallists Iran before going down in straight games in their final preliminary round match of the volleyball competition at the Asian Games here today.
The Indians, who have already advanced to the next round (Play-off Group stage) after winning their earlier two matches, lost 22-25 22-25 18-25 against their more fancied opponents in a 71-minute Group C preliminary round contest at Songnim Gymnasium here.
For India, Lavmeet Katariya won the maximum points of 11, out of which he scored nine from spike, one from block and two from service.
For Iran, Mahmoudi Shahram was the top-scorer with 20 points, out of which he scored 19 from spike and one from block.
India play their Play-off Group E match on September 28.
