The FIVB and Chinese Volleyball Association are aiming for a long and prosperous relationship.
FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graca was in Beijing earlier this week to meeting with CVA representatives to discuss his vision for increased events in the country.
Since playing host to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China has continued to build its image as a prime location for tournaments indoors and on the beach.
Just last week, the FIVB U21 Beach World Championships took place in Nanjing. The city also is set as the locale for the World Group Prix Group 1 Finals in August and has played host to several FIVB Tour events.
“It is fantastic that the FIVB is able to bring so many wonderful tournaments to the fans in China,” Graca said. “Both organizations are working hard to help grow the sport across the world and we have seen incredible performances from the Chinese national teams in recent years, including the women’s indoor team who won gold at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The quality of play, coaching and infrastructure will ensure volleyball in China continues to develop.”
Graca and the other FIVB representatives had a chance to view the Chinese men’s national team in action on the visit as they toured the national team training center.
The Chinese men, which finished fifth in World League Group 2 play, are under new leadership as Argentinian coach Raul Lozano aims to earn the squad a place in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after missing out on qualifying in 2016.
The Chinese women are looking to stay on top of the world rankings after their 2016 Olympic Gold. The team is currently 4-2 in Group 1 play at the World Grand Prix, which continues through early August.
The Chinese teams also have found success on the beach as Shuhyu Wen/Xinyi Xia earned gold at the Nantong Open last month.
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