Indiaโs remarkable unbeaten run to the semi-finals of the ABC Menโs Volleyball Cup may have been a turning point for the national team, but head coach Dragan Mihajlovic believes long-term success will depend on building systems that can consistently deliver such results.
Making their first appearance at a continental tournament, India reached the last four matches unbeaten, winning five matches in a row and losing just one set.
The campaign also lifted India from 60th in the world to 42nd in the FIVB rankings, highlighting the rapid progress made in a short period.
However, despite the impressive numbers, the Serbian coach insists the team is only taking its first steps.
โMy job was to create a structure and a system that the players could trust,โ Dragan told PTI.
โOne of the biggest changes has been to bring discipline and consistency into the system. Weโve tried to help the boys have confidence in their style of play and simplify certain aspects of their defensive game while reducing unforced errors as matches are often decided by tight margins.โ
The coach noted that the month-long national training camp before the tournament allowed the team to prepare individually for each opponent, and the players quickly adapted to a more structured tactical approach.
โWe had a month to train and develop a strategy against each of the opponents, which really helped the team. The guys quickly adapted to it and showed good temperament under pressure,โ he said.
This achievement takes on even greater significance given that India entered the tournament after limited international participation and a relatively short preparation period.
โI have always believed in the abilities of this group. So far the results have been good, but this is just the beginning, we have a long way to go,โ Dragan said.
โWe achieved this with minimal involvement and limited time together. We need more international exposure, a high-level competitive environment and the ability to consistently play against the best teams in Asia and the world. Potential is one thing; consistent results are what makes a team or country great.โ
The campaign also comes amid administrative uncertainty in Indian volleyball.
Earlier this year, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) withdrew recognition of the Volleyball Federation of India, citing governance and administrative issues, and handed over the day-to-day affairs of the sport to a management committee comprising representatives of the FIVB and the Indian Olympic Association until fresh elections are held.
The governance crisis has created uncertainty over the sportโs immediate future and raised concerns about the welfare of players and the functioning of the federation.
Against this backdrop, Indiaโs unbeaten run and rising global rankings have provided a timely boost, shifting the focus back to performances on the court.
Even amid uncertainty off the court, Indiaโs rise has coincided with the growing influence of the Premier Volleyball League, which has completed five seasons and given Indian players the opportunity to compete alongside top international players and coaches.
Dragan acknowledged the leagueโs contribution but said domestic competition alone could not close the gap with Asiaโs elite nations.
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โThe Senior Volleyball League has had a great impact on Indian volleyball as it has raised the overall standards of the game.
โWe need longer national camps, ongoing international tours and tournaments, development of coaching programs, more international competitions in India and the entire volleyball ecosystem taking responsibility.
โIndian players definitely have the required skills, but they need the experience of playing regularly against the best players and teams in the world to take it to the next level.โ
Indiaโs performance in Ahmedabad also continued the momentum generated by last yearโs CAVA Nations Volleyball Menโs League silver medalist.
Encouraging results are also being seen in the months leading up to the Asian Games, although Dragan has been quick to tone down expectations despite Indiaโs unbeaten campaign.
โThis tournament will certainly give us confidence, disciplined play and determination, but we should not rely too much on results,โ he said.
โWe understand that the top three teams in Asia are not here and we know what it takes to be one of the top five teams in Asia.โ
For this to happen, the coach believes, India must strengthen its development path by identifying talent earlier and building a more robust high-performance structure.
โWe need better systems where the best talent from all age groups is brought into the national center of excellence and their progress is reviewed regularly. This will enhance the national team.
โWe must continue to improve our standards in training, continue to learn from tournaments and get to know teams playing different styles of volleyball. If we continue to do this consistently, Indian volleyball will continue to move in the right direction,โ he said.
Published June 27, 2026