China showcase youthful promise at VNL in Beijing

China finished the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Beijing leg with two wins and two losses, but beyond the scorelines, it was the energy and emergence of a new generation that left the deepest impression.

In their final match against Turkiye on Sunday, the youthful China squad delivered a performance that reflected their spirit and potential, as well as the growing pains of a team in transition.

China's Zhuang Yushan (Front) saves the ball during the Pool 3 match between China and Türkiye at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025 Beijing at the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China, June 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

China took the first set with confidence and battled hard in the second. In the third, they staged a stunning comeback, erasing an eight-point deficit to win 31-29. But in the fourth set, at 24-20 and holding four match points, they failed to close it out, eventually falling in the tiebreak.

"We got a little anxious at set point," said 17-year-old middle blocker Wang Aoqian. "My attacks were too predictable, and I was blocked several times. It's something I'll learn from."

This rollercoaster match mirrored the broader picture of China's campaign in Beijing: full of promise, courage, teamwork but also marked by youthful inconsistency.

Head coach Zhao Yong, who guided China to the U17 world title last year, is now leading the senior team into a new Olympic cycle. With less than two months of preparation together, this new-look team is already showing signs of cohesion and resilience.

Zhang Zixuan, making her senior international debut, took charge as starting setter and impressed with her maturity. Chen Houyu partnered veteran Wang Yuanyuan in the middle, while Tang Xin and Wang Aoqian made impactful contributions off the bench. Even players with limited playing time, like Dong Yuhan and Yang Shuming, embraced the moment with confidence.

"Our goal is not just short-term results," Zhao said. "It's about building a team for the future. These players are learning fast, and they're showing their potential."

Team captain Gong Xiangyu, libero Wang Mengjie and middle blocker Wang Yuanyuan provided stability, while rising stars Wu Mengjie and Zhuang Yushan took on greater responsibility, marking the passing of the torch to a new generation.

The spirited performance of China's young squad also earned praise from opponents throughout the tournament.

"This mixed China team is full of energy and potential," said Belgium captain Britt Herbots. "They are young, but already very competitive on the court."

Poland head coach Stefano Lavarini also acknowledged their progress. "China showed strong teamwork and their new players are clearly growing with each match."

Turkiye head coach Daniele Santarelli echoed similar sentiments after their five-set thriller. "They played with great passion and put us under real pressure. It was a very tough match and I believed in their great potential to become a great team."

The VNL competitions were held at the National Indoor Stadium, one of Beijing's iconic "dual Olympic" venues that hosted gymnastics and trampoline at the 2008 Olympics and ice hockey during the 2022 Winter Olympics. This symbolic setting offered a fitting stage for a fresh chapter of Chinese women's volleyball.

China's women's volleyball team holds a special place in the nation's sporting history, with three Olympic gold medals, five World Cup titles, and two World Championship crowns. In the realm of team sports, it remains China's most decorated squad.

However, recent Olympic cycles brought setbacks. China suffered a shocking exit in the group stage at Tokyo 2020 and fell short of the quarterfinals in Paris 2024. The need for renewal was clear, and Zhao's bold use of young talent at the VNL is a step toward long-term rejuvenation.

"Every team is adjusting during this early phase of the Olympic cycle," Zhao noted. "We're not alone in this. What matters is that our players are not afraid to fight, to take risks, and to learn."