The Chinese men's volleyball team has just returned to the top of Asia after ten years with a historic win against Japan.
Chinese volleyball players celebrate winning during the 2022 AVC (Asian Volleyball Confederation) Cup final against Japan in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, Aug. 14, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Asian Volleyball Confederation)
China overcame its East Asia neighbor 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-22) in the 2022 AVC (Asian Volleyball Confederation) Cup men's final to lift the trophy, for the first time in a decade, in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand on Sunday.
The Chinese squad delivered a breathtaking turnaround victory in a grueling semi-final against South Korea on Saturday, while Japan booked a seat in the final by eliminating Bahrain in straight sets earlier the day.
Team China celebrate winning during the 2022 AVC Cup final against Japan in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, Aug. 14, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Asian Volleyball Confederation)
In bronze medal game, Bahrain outclassed South Korea 3-0 (25-23, 27-25, 32-30).
Iran came fifth in the tournament, followed by Pakistan and host Thailand.
China last entered the AVC Cup men's final in 2016. The country's first championship win came in 2012 when the team beat Iran 3-1 (25-18, 25-14, 13-25 and 31-29) in Vinh Yen, Vietnam.
China will participate in the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship in Poland and Slovenia from August 26 to September 11.
China's road to glory at the 2022 AVC Cup for men:
August 8: China 3-1 Chinese Taipei
August 9: China 3-1 Bahrain
August 11: China 3-0 Pakistan
August 12: China 3-1 Iran
August 13: China 3-2 South Korea
August 14: China 3-0 Japan
