HANGZHOU, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Japan and DPR Korea made a flying start in the group stage as the women's volleyball competition kicked off at the Hangzhou Asian Games here on Saturday.
In Pool A action, DPR Korea rallied to beat India 3-1 (23-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-16) in the opening match. Although India won the first set, DPR Korea regained their form and took three sets in a row to wrap up the victory.
Kim Hyon Ju of DPR Korea took a game-high 30 points, while India's Saranya Narikunnil Salikumar grabbed her team's best 18 points.
In Pool D, Japan smashed Hong Kong, China 3-0 (25-17, 25-10, 25-15) as Uesaka Minami notched a game-high 13 points.
Another match in Pool D saw Kazakhstan ease past Afghanistan 3-0 (25-4, 25-5, 25-3).
"We know we cannot compete with such strong teams in the Asian Games, but our women should have the right to participate and we need to give them hope. Maybe in future, we will be stronger in such events," said Malikazai Khushal, an official from Afghanistan's team.
Also on Saturday, Chinese Taipei defeated Mongolia 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-8) in Pool B, while Vietnam won 3-0 (25-4, 25-16, 25-13) against Nepal in Pool C. ■
