The new year has arrived, and fans have already set their sights on the World Women's Volleyball Nations League starting in June. We all know that a new Olympic cycle has begun. As the first year of this new cycle, it is crucial for the Chinese women's volleyball team, as it could determine their performance at the Los Angeles Olympics.
In the previous Olympics, the Chinese women's volleyball team was eliminated in the first round of the knockout stage. While the Chinese Volleyball Association acknowledged their efforts, fans were not entirely satisfied. The necessary summaries and analyses have been made, and it is believed that the relevant departments have also conducted their evaluations! The most important task now is the formation of the new national team.
The first step in this process is undoubtedly to confirm the head coach. Coach Cai Bin's leadership during the Paris Olympic cycle did not impress many, and his player selection and in-game adjustments were questioned by many. The Chinese Volleyball Association has not yet officially announced whether Coach Cai will remain or depart. Whether Coach Cai continues or a new head coach takes over, the answer is expected to be revealed after the Spring Festival.
Once the head coach is confirmed, the national team's lineup will undergo a significant reshuffle. Currently, it appears that four key players are likely to retire. Diou Lin-yu, the second setter, is unlikely to return to the national team due to injuries and age-related issues. Diou herself has mentally prepared for this transition, even discussing her plans for change in interviews. Wang Yunlu may also leave the national team. The most critical factor here is whether the veteran Zhu Ting can continue to compete. At the recent Club World Cup, Zhu Ting helped the Italian powerhouse Imoco Volley Conegliano win the championship and was awarded the Best Spiker. Zhu Ting's resurgence has almost rendered Wang Yunlu's position in the national team redundant. Meanwhile, the veteran Jin Ye is also unlikely to return to the national team! At 29 years old, her potential has been exhausted, and the four-year Olympic cycle marks her farewell from the national team. There is also Guo Yi, who, at 27, is at the peak of her playing career. However, with average league statistics and a rotational role in the national team, she is also expected to miss out on the new Olympic cycle.
With the national team undergoing a major overhaul and veterans retiring, new blood must be brought in! Here are five promising young talents to look forward to. They are Chen Boya from Tianjin Volleyball Team, Jie Shengyu from Shandong Volleyball Team, Liu Zhenning from Yunnan Volleyball Team, Zhang Zihan from Henan Volleyball Team, and Yang Yuning from Sichuan Volleyball Team. These players are rising stars of the Chinese women's volleyball team, having previously competed in major tournaments with the Chinese youth team and performed well. In the new Olympic cycle, the Chinese women's volleyball team needs fresh strength! These five players are expected to carry the flag of the Chinese women's volleyball team and create new glories in upcoming competitions! Go for it!