PUSAN -- Iran took a silver as it finished runner-up Sunday in the volleyball competitions of the 14th Asian Games in Pusan, South Korea.

In final, Iran lost to the powerful side of South Korea 18-25 19-25 23-25 in three consecutive sets.

Mohammad Torkashvand, Amir Hosseini, Abbas Qassemian, Peyman Akbari, Behnam Mahmoudi, and Ahssanollah Shirkouvand were the backbone of the Iranian team in final.

Earlier, Japan defeated China taking the bronze.

On Friday, Iran squeezed into the final by defeating the Chinese side.

The volleyball team of Iran managed to edge China 3-2 in the 2002 Asian volleyball semifinal clash, IRNA reported.

Iran won the first, third, and fifth sets 25-16, 25-21, 15-11 respectively and China won the second and fourth sets 25-19, 25-22.

In the preliminary round, the national volleyball team of Iran overcame Macao, India, and Qatar and lost to South Korea.

Forty-four years ago, 1958, Iran also stood second after it was beaten by Japan in final.