China is set to make its 11th consecutive appearance in the Olympic women’s volleyball event at the Paris 2024 Summer Games. After clinching the gold medal in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, the team faced disappointment in Tokyo, failing to advance to the knockout stage. Now, with renewed determination, they are gearing up for another shot at glory.
The draw for Paris places China in a formidable pool alongside the United States, Serbia, and host nation France. Despite the tough competition, Hui Ruoqi, a retired member of China’s gold-winning squad from Rio 2016, expresses confidence in the team’s potential.
“I think there are challenges and opportunities at this year’s Games,” Hui told CGTN Sports Scene’s Jiang Mengxi. “The opponents are strong, whether in the group stage or knockout phase. But I believe China still has a big chance. The opening match is crucial because it’s very important to get into a groove quickly and find our form. A team only needs six matches to reach the final, which is fewer than at previous Olympics, so this requires us to get into a groove faster, as every point is important.”
China will face the USA in their opening match on July 29. The teams last met at the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in May, where China secured a 3-1 victory at the Maracanãzinho in Rio.
Looking ahead, Hui highlights the strength of traditional powerhouses and emerging teams. “Besides China, Italy, the USA, and Brazil are still strong traditional teams, and there are also some dark horses like Turkey and Poland,” she said. “We’ve seen their performances in the Women’s Nations League, so it’s hard to say who will finally win the gold or who might face big difficulties. It depends on who makes fewer mistakes.”
The road to Olympic success is never easy, but with preparation and focus, China’s women’s volleyball team is poised to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead in Paris.
Reference(s):
Challenges and opportunities ahead for China in women's volleyball
cgtn.com
