Men's and Women's Volleyball Teams Vow to Win Medals at Asian Games, Target Olympic Berths

South Korea's national volleyball teams, both men's and women's, have publicly declared their strong intentions to rebound from recent international setbacks and vie for medals in upcoming major tournaments. At a press conference held at the Olympic Hall in Seoul, coaches and captains articulated their determination to overcome current rankings and bring honor to the nation.

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My goal is to touch an Asian Games medal with the players.

Women's team coach Cha Sang-hyun acknowledged the team's slip in world rankings, admitting they are currently behind rivals like Japan, China, and Thailand in Asia. However, he stressed that the players understand the gravity of the situation and are motivated by a "never-give-up" spirit. The team aims to reach the top four in the upcoming Asian Championship, a crucial step towards qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2027 FIVB World Cup.

Captain Kang So-hwi echoed this sentiment, recalling the "tears of frustration" from the previous Asian Games and vowing to use that experience as fuel for redemption. The women's team, which had secured medals in three consecutive Asian Games from 2010 to 2018, aims to restore its reputation after a disappointing fifth-place finish in the last edition.

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I will do my best to stand on the podium again at the Asian Games.

For the men's team, led by coach Issanaye Ramires, the goal is equally ambitious. Despite finishing fifth in the 2023 Asian Championship and seventh in the Asian Games, and suffering a winless campaign in the World Championship, the team believes it has the potential to compete with top Asian rivals like Japan and Iran. Coach Ramires is particularly focused on player injury management, with key players expected to return by July, bolstering their chances for the Olympic qualifying Asian Championship, where a top-three finish is targeted to secure a spot in the World Cup.

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It is true that the world ranking of women's volleyball has dropped significantly. It is a reality that we are ranked 6th or 7th in Asia, behind Japan, China, and Thailand.

Captain Hwang Taek-ui expressed confidence in the current system and tactics, believing that with player adaptation, the team can become competitive not just in Asia but globally. The collective resolve displayed by both teams signals a strong commitment to reclaiming their standing in the international volleyball arena, driven by a desire to prove their capabilities and achieve significant success.

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The players must clearly accept the current reality. It will not be easy, but with a mindset that there is no more room to retreat and a challenging spirit, we will do our best to reach the top 4 in the Asian Championship.