Pakistan’s men’s volleyball team got off to a winning start in their Asian Games campaign on Sunday, defeating Kazakhstan 3-1 in their Pool A opener in Aichi, Japan.

Pakistan won the first two sets 25-16 and 25-22 before Kazakhstan fought back to take the third 25-17. The Pakistani side responded strongly in the fourth set, winning 25-20 to secure the match.

Murad Khan led Pakistan’s scoring with 21 points, including 17 successful spikes and four blocks. Usman Faryad Ali added 14 points, while Jehan Murad and Musawer Khan contributed 11 and 9, respectively.

Pakistan finished with 92 total points compared with Kazakhstan’s 83 and proved more effective in attack, converting 55 of 114 spikes.

The victory gives Pakistan an early advantage in a group that also includes hosts Japan and Uzbekistan. Pakistan will face Uzbekistan on Monday before meeting Japan in their final group match.

The volleyball win came on a mixed day for Pakistan, as the country added two bronze medals in men’s singles squash while facing mixed results in fencing, shooting, and tennis.