The news of Li Quanqiang's investigation has sent shockwaves through the volleyball community, akin to a massive stone dropped into a tranquil lake, stirring up ripples throughout. Not only are past achievements on the court being revisited, but complex interpersonal relationships behind the scenes are also coming to light.
As the long-standing helmsman of the Chinese women's volleyball team, Li Quanqiang's downfall is undoubtedly set to impact the entire landscape of the volleyball world, with the most attention focused on the future of head coach Cai Bin.
If Li Quanqiang was the "pusher" behind Cai Bin's return to coaching the Chinese women's volleyball team, his sudden misfortune has cast a shadow of uncertainty over Cai Bin's future.
Cai Bin's tenure in recent years has been far from smooth sailing. When he took over the Chinese women's volleyball team in 2022, there were many skeptics who doubted whether he could handle a team that desperately needed rebuilding after the disappointment at the Tokyo Olympics.
Despite Cai Bin's efforts to prove himself and his coaching record being better than the previous Olympic cycle, he still failed to fully win over public confidence.
At the Paris Olympics, the Chinese women's volleyball team achieved three consecutive victories in the group stage but was defeated in the first round of the knockout stage, ending their journey in the quarter-finals. This outcome was disappointing, neither a failure nor a success, especially when compared to the team's illustrious history, it seemed rather mediocre.
However, reality is a more complicated game than any match. Cai Bin's contract renewal is not solely based on his coaching performance but is closely tied to his "political capital."
Li Quanqiang was the one who strongly supported Cai Bin's appointment, and now that he is under investigation for cases related to Jiangsu, this background naturally brings to mind Cai Bin's long-term coaching experience with the Jiangsu women's volleyball team.
Although there is no evidence of a direct connection between the two, Cai Bin's current situation has indeed become somewhat awkward.
Considering China's sports circle's tradition of coordinating complex relationships, there is much speculation about whether Lai Yawen, who was not selected by the current leadership, will have new considerations, which is also a hot topic of discussion among the public.
Speaking of Lai Yawen, one cannot help but mention her longstanding relationship with Lang Ping.
From their close cooperation as players, to the默契 between coach and assistant, to Lai Yawen's deep support as a managerial backbone during Lang Ping's tenure as head coach of the Chinese women's volleyball team, their relationship speaks for itself.
Lang Ping is undoubtedly a symbol of the Chinese women's volleyball team, and every time she takes over, it is during a period of difficulty for the team, serving as a "savior."
Now, with the reshuffling triggered by Li Quanqiang's incident, will it once again push her to the forefront? Whether considering personal emotional factors or the need for the Volleyball Management Center to reestablish its authority, this possibility seems hard to rule out entirely.
However, there are also voices suggesting that the cost of Lang Ping's return is too high. First, her physical health and energy, as Lang Ping has openly expressed her fatigue from the intense professional pressure.
Secondly, returning would mean bringing her own philosophy and team into a new round of reforms, which could potentially disrupt the existing structure that has already taken shape.
Moreover, the current global volleyball landscape is changing, and if the Chinese women's volleyball team chooses to rely on Lang Ping again, it might yield short-term results, but whether it would delay sustainable development in the long run also requires careful consideration.
What people find fascinating is not just the behind-the-scenes maneuvering of these details but the direction that the Chinese women's volleyball team, a symbol of "national pride," will take next.
Seeking breakthroughs amidst contradictions and rebirth from challenges has always been the core spirit of the Chinese women's volleyball team.
This reshuffle may be hinting at a new transformation brewing, and as for who will be the hand that turns the page to the future, we can only wait and see, letting time provide the answer.
For this event, what are your thoughts? Welcome to leave your comments actively!