VNL 2024 Hong Kong: From Local Courts to Global Stage

The Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2024 is set to commence on May 14th, spanning seven cities that will host the preliminary and final rounds of the competition. In a pivotal year, the preliminary round offers the last opportunity for teams to secure their spots at the Paris 2024 Olympics through the world ranking pathway. Powerhouses like Italy and China, yet to qualify, are expected to compete fiercely, bolstered by the return of star players such as Paola Egonu and Zhu Ting.

Hong Kong, a familiar host for the Volleyball Nations League and the former World Grand Prix, is set to welcome the competition again in Week 3. The city’s ongoing passion for volleyball is showcased by the VNL HK 2024 organizing committee, which hosted a series of volleyball-related public events from April 27 to April 29, igniting a local volleyball craze.

The event series kicked off with a special session featuring Xu Yunli, a former player of the Chinese volleyball team and Olympic gold medalist. The event, titled “Olympic Gold Medalist Xu Yunli’s Sharing Session and Autograph Signing,” attracted a significant turnout, including volleyball students eager to learn from the accomplished middle blocker. Xu shared insights into the her experiences on the international stage and challenges encountered throughout her career, inspiring many students and volleyball fans in attendance.

The following day, two “Chinese Women’s Volleyball Team Technical Tour” events took place in local schools. Xu, who clinched gold at Rio 2016, not only shared her experiences but also engaged with the participants in playing volleyball. These included hands-on activities conducted alongside the Hong Kong men’s U20 volleyball team. The sessions were designed to be inclusive, and allowed blind and intellectually disabled participants to fully engage, such as tactile exploration of the volleyball equipment and guided playing experiences.

The finale of the community events saw Xu visiting the Canadian International School of Hong Kong. Here, she conducted a detailed sharing session about the nuances of professional volleyball and guided the school’s volleyball team through specialized training drills focused on enhancing their skills, such as receiving and handling the volleyball.

As international stars continue to dazzle fans worldwide, the importance of community engagement and promoting the sport at a grassroots level cannot be overstated. The activities organized in Hong Kong prior to the Volleyball Nations League highlight a commitment to not only fostering a love for the game but also ensuring it is accessible and enjoyable for all. As the VNL 2024 approaches, the excitement builds with the hope of attracting more enthusiasts to both watch and participate in volleyball.

(Reported by Boris CHUNG Bok Man)