China's revamped women's volleyball team launches their Volleyball Nations League debut in the capital, Beijing.
China's women's volleyball squad kicks off their redemption path in the 2025 Nations League at home versus Belgium, held in Beijing. The Paris Olympics did 'em dirty, losing in the quarters to stubborn Turkey, and the Chinese ain't taking that lie down.
Zhao Yong's sitting in the big seat now, replacing the aging squad's old coach, Cai Bin. With resurrecting the team for gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the line, Zhao's got a whole new crew on the court. More than half of the 18-player roster? Rookies.
As Zhao told reporters, playing in their hometown puts the pressure on, but it's the motivation that outweighs it. It's been a hot minute since a major international tournament landed in Beijing, and these young guns are ready to make their mark.
"It's got 'em all feelin' fired up," Zhao spilled, "These athletes have been showin' great commitment and an insatiable hunger to bring glory to the country and the team. We're aimin' to grow, adapt, and thrive in the face of tough competition."
Gong Xiangyu, team captain and Olympic gold medallist in Rio de Janeiro in '16, and winner of the '19 FIVB World Cup? Yep, she's on the squad too. She's seen the wins, knows the highs and lows, and she's here to lead the team forward.
Release the hounds, China. It's game on.
- Enrichment Data:
Coach Zhao's Objective: - Zhao Yong, new coach of the squad, aims to take China's women's volleyball team to the podium at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, by restructuring their strategies and preparing them for the challenges ahead.
Squad Roster Changes: - While specific alterations to the team's roster are not detailed in recent reports, it's common for teams to adjust their lineups after major tournaments, injecting new blood and refining team dynamics.
Beijing Hosting the Volleyball Nations League: - Event Details: The Women's Volleyball Nations League's Beijing leg took place from June 4 to 8, 2025, at the National Indoor Stadium. Teams competing in Pool 3 included China, Belgium, France, Poland, Thailand, and Türkiye[1][3]. - Matches: China battled it out with Belgium, Poland, Türkiye, and France[3], offering invaluable international competition as part of their development strategy.
The Redemption Journey: - China's quest for redemption involves participating in key tournaments like the Volleyball Nations League, gathering experience and honing their skills under the watchful eye of new leadership. - The ultimate goal is to build camaraderie and forge a powerhouse team, capable of competing on the global stage—including the Olympics.
"The women's volleyball squad under the watch of Coach Zhao Yong, aims to leverage the home advantage in Beijing to regain their lost glory, as they commence their redemption path in the 2025 Nations League against Belgium."
"With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as their ultimate goal, the roster largely comprises of rookies, along with experienced veterans such as Gong Xiangyu, who will spearhead the team's efforts to adapt and thrive in the face of tough competition."
