The Asian Women's Volleyball Championship kicked off in north China's Tianjin Municipality on Friday, launching Asia’s qualifying path to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, after host nation China unveiled its final 14 player roster a day earlier.
The squad features captain Gong Xiangyu, opposites Yang Shuming and Tang Xin, outside hitters Wu Mengjie, Zhuang Yushan, Li Chenxuan and Ni Feifan, middle blockers Wang Yuanyuan, Guo Zhongnan, Chen Houyu and Wang Aoqian, setters Diao Linyu and Xie Shengyu, and libero Wang Mengjie.
China, 13 time winners but without a title since 2015, open against Iraq before facing Iran and Chinese Taipei in Pool A. Among the 12 teams, pool winners, runners up and two of three third placed sides advance to the quarter finals, with the champions securing Asia’s first berth at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
"This is my first time playing at the Asian Championship and I feel very excited. I am full of expectations in this competition. My teammates and I always lift each other up on the court. When we encounter challenges and difficulties in the upcoming matches, we will use brief words to encourage and remind one another," said Gong.
The tournament is being held at the Tianjin Olympic Center Gymnasium and will run through August 30.
Meanwhile, Iraq are set to make their debut at this tournament. Ranked 223rd in the world, the Middle East nation have been gearing up for Saturday's test against the host nation China since Thursday. They will face Chinese Taipei on Sunday, before wrapping up the group phase against Iran on Tuesday.
China unveils 14-player roster for Women's Volleyball Asian Championship
