Women’s AVC Cup
China will attempt to equalize its two previous performances at the AVC Cup for Women by bringing in a formidable line-up led by former AVC Cup Most Valuable Player awardees Wei Qiuyue and Wang Yimei – Wei to steer her team’s offense and Wang to execute China’s incredible attack plays.
China’s biggest adversary is Thailand, which had an excellent stint at the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix 2012 – beating China in the final round, and finishing fourth overall.
The other big challengers are Japan and Korea that are fresh from their impressive performances at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Both teams are still expected to stage surprises to their opponents.
Hosts Kazakhstan are also set to pull-off a surprise considering their good track record in Asian-level competitions. Completing the cast for this edition are teams from Iran, Chinese Taipei and Vietnam.
All teams were well-represented during the General Technical Meeting at the Baluan Sholak Sports and Culture Palace on the eve of the competition.
Earlier, the Control Committee members, Mr Magzam Kassymov, Vice-President of the Kazakhstan Volleyball Federation, and Mr Guy Horne from IEC in Sports, paid a courtesy visit to Mr Serik Seidumanov, Deputy Mayor of the City of Almaty.
Seidumanov, together with Mr Khaidarov Khairbulat, Head of Physical Culture and Sports Management, warmly welcomed the AVC Control Committee members to Almaty City.
Seidumanov explained that the aim of Kazakhstan is to develop sports in the Republic. Some of these efforts are to create sports facilities and to host international competitions which will popularize volleyball in their country.
“The AVC Cup for Women is an important tournament for us.” Seidumanov said. “We want to make the Almaty as a sporting destination that is why we are building new facilities and hosting prestigious competitions like the AVC Cup.”
Apart from raising the population’s awareness in sports, the most important benefit of it is the positive influence and upbringing of Kazakhstan’s younger generation.
