Former China men’s volleyball star Zhao Yong has been named the head coach of the China women’s volleyball team, with the goal of securing a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The appointment was announced on Thursday by the volleyball management center of China’s State General Administration of Sport.
Lai Yawen, the director of the volleyball management center, praised Zhao’s leadership qualities, noting his resilience under pressure, focus on discipline, and strong team management skills. “His coaching experience, work ethic, and mental fortitude make him well-suited for the role of head coach,” Lai said.
Zhao comes to the role with an extensive coaching background, having previously coached the Liaoning women’s volleyball team. In 2023, he led the Chinese university women’s volleyball team to a gold medal at the Chengdu Universiade. In 2024, he guided China to victory at the U17 Women’s Volleyball World Championship.
The China women’s volleyball team roster has also been updated, featuring 19 players, including four World Cup champions: Gong Xiangyu, Wang Yuanyuan, Wang Mengjie, and Li Yingying. Several young talents, such as Yang Shuming, Fan Boning, and Zhang Zixuan, have earned their first call-ups to the national team after representing China at junior levels.
Following a fifth-place finish at the 2024 Olympics, the team is now focused on the upcoming 2028 Olympics, with the goal of achieving a podium finish in Los Angeles, as previously emphasized by Lai.
Related topics: