Lang Ping, the famous former Chinese volleyball player, coached the U.S. women's volleyball team to victory against Japan 3-1 in a preliminary match on August 9 at the Capital Indoor Stadium.

Dubbed the "Iron Hammer", Lang won "hoorays" and claps from the Chinese crowd who still remember her powerful spikes from her days as a player with the national team in the 1980s. Lang said she felt at home in the stadium where she had competed so many times.

Under Lang's leadership, the U.S. team has improved their defense and fought tenaciously against Japan, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Lang snatches an errant ball flying toward her while holding a pen. As head coach of the U.S. Women's Volleyball Team, Lang led the U.S. to victory over Japan 3-1 on August 9 at Capital Indoor Stadium.

Lang watches her players during the match against Japan on August 9 at Capital Indoor Stadium.

 

Lang speaks to Logan Tom, player number 15, in the match between the U.S. Women's Volleyball Team and Japan on August 9 at Capital Indoor Stadium.

Lang shouts to her players during the match between the U.S. Women's Volleyball Team and Japan on August 9 at Capital Indoor Stadium.

(China.org.cn by Wu Jin, August 11, 2008)