Fans applaud as China women’s volleyball stars book ticket to next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo
- Defending champions win all three qualifying matches at home, including an overwhelming 3-0 win over major rivals Turkey
- Other medal favourites US and Brazil struggle in trying to book their tickets to Tokyo
Chinese volleyball fans’ zeal was rewarded as the national women’s team booked their ticket to next year’s Tokyo Olympic Games after three convincing wins in the qualification tournament.
Having finished third behind champions the US and second-placed Brazil in the 2019 Nation League finals the previous month, it was feared China might struggle in the Olympic Inter-continental qualifiers also featuring Czech Republic, Germany and Turkey.
The three victories raised hopes the team are still the same quality side that lifted the 2016 Olympic title in Rio three years ago.
“Although China has won the Olympic champions three times before, it would be historic if we make it in Tokyo again next year,” said one of the fans on Sina Sports.
Another fan wrote, “Congratulations to team China, congratulations to coach Lang [Ping]. Those who condemned Lang before have got nothing to say this time. You must be very disappointed as your faces are being slapped by the results. There will be the World Cup next month, followed by the 2020 Olympic Games and I am sure coach Lang will continue to use the results to slap your face.”
Only the former Soviet Union have won the Olympic women’s title four times.