(Asiad) Women's volleyball team heads to Japan with sights set on redemption

The South Korean national women's volleyball team departed for Japan on September 13 to compete in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, aiming to avenge their disappointing finish at the 2023 tournament. Headed by coach Cha Sang-hyun, the team will face Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Qatar in Pool D of the preliminary round. Advancement to the quarterfinals will be determined by the top two teams from each of the four groups.

South Korean volleyball players are focusing on recovering and fine-tuning their set plays in preparation for the Asian Games, which commence on September 14 against Hong Kong. During the 2023 Asian Games, South Korea suffered an early setback, losing to Vietnam and failing to reach the medal round. This marked the first time since 2006 that the South Korean women's volleyball team did not secure an Asian Games medal.

Coach Cha expressed determination as the team prepared to face Vietnam, recalling their two victories over the Vietnamese team in the past year. Captain Kang So-hwi, recovering from a left thigh injury, remains optimistic about improving her performance at international competitions. Middle blocker Jung Ho-young, returning from injury, is also expected to be fit for the match.

Jung's mother, Ryou Yeon-soo, who won silver at the 1990 Asian Games, is motivating Jung to achieve a medal herself.