Breaking News: The Fall of a Big Fish in Chinese Volleyball - Lang Ping's Name Cleared After a Decade
The sky has fallen in the world of Chinese volleyball, with the unexpected involvement of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI). The truth behind the women's volleyball team's disastrous performance at the Tokyo Olympics has finally come to light. Within just a few hours of the news that Li Quanqiang, the former head of the Volleyball Management Center under the General Administration of Sport, was being investigated for serious violations of discipline and law, it set off a storm across the sports community.
It must be said that the waters of the Chinese volleyball world are far deeper and more complex than we could have imagined. Li Quanqiang, a major figure who has been navigating the Chinese volleyball scene for 25 years, has held key positions in the Volleyball Management Center since 1997, serving as the leader for both the men's and women's teams before becoming the director of the center, wielding immense power. Without his decisions and influence, and the acquisition of such extensive authority and status, the Chinese women's volleyball team might not have experienced so many ups and downs.
If it weren't for the CCDI's intervention this time, but instead an internal investigation within the volleyball circle or pressure from public opinion among fans, it is likely that Li Quanqiang would still be sitting pretty, continuing his "indestructible" legend.
Therefore, do not believe in the calmness of the volleyball arena; there may be hidden turmoil beneath the surface. Li Quanqiang's downfall not only shows the determination of the Chinese sports world to combat corruption but also makes many people think about the women's volleyball team's defeat at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. At that time, as the defending champions, they lost all four group matches, setting a disgraceful record, which led to the resignation of coach Lang Ping. The truth behind that defeat—whether it is related to Li Quanqiang, whether there were unknown interests at play, and whether it affected the unity and fighting capacity of the team—all these questions may now be clarified with Li Quanqiang's investigation.
Li Quanqiang's downfall offers hope for clarity on the reasons behind Coach Lang Ping's resignation. After the Tokyo Olympics, Lang Ping resigned voluntarily, and the Volleyball Management Center's statement on her departure was overly cold and heartless, provoking strong dissatisfaction among fans. Now, with Li Quanqiang, who was the director of the Volleyball Management Center at the time, under investigation, it may reveal the truth behind the women's volleyball team's defeat and Lang Ping's resignation, clearing her name.
Li Quanqiang's influence in the volleyball world is enormous, and his investigation will undoubtedly trigger a massive earthquake in the volleyball circle. From the men's to the women's teams, from team leaders to the center's director, Li Quanqiang's position in Chinese volleyball is unparalleled. His downfall will not only reshuffle the volleyball world but may also expose more corrupt officials and interest chains, leading to a thorough cleanup in the volleyball world.
The absence of Lai Yawen, the current director of the Volleyball Management Center, at multiple events has also sparked speculation among fans. As Li Quanqiang's successor, Lai Yawen has rarely appeared at major events since the Paris Olympics, which naturally leads people to wonder if she is also under investigation or dealing with matters related to Li Quanqiang. Her absence adds a mysterious touch to this earthquake in the volleyball world.
Li Quanqiang's investigation may just be the beginning of anti-corruption actions in Chinese sports. From football to basketball and then to volleyball, the "big three" ball sports in China all have varying degrees of corruption issues. Now, with the volleyball world taking the lead and lifting the lid on the volleyball arena, it remains to be seen whether other sports like basketball and table tennis will take action, which is worth our continued attention.