International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) President Ruben
Acosta said on Thursday that he believed the Chinese women's team
will defend their title in 2008 Beijing Olympics.
"The Chinese women's team has been preparing for victory in
Beijing since the Athens Olympics, and they have brought many new
players to the team. In 2006, maybe they will not reach the summit
yet, but they will in Beijing. They are the favorites." said
Acosta, who was re-elected as the president of the world volleyball
governing body on Wednesday.
"They would be much better than today after so many matches,
because they are correcting their weak points. If they success,
they will be on the top." added Acosta.
He said, "This is the only weak point they have - some young
players. They lack experience, but I think they are overcoming this
situation after they play many matches recently."
"At Athens, the Chinese team gave the most beautiful
demonstration of persistence and endurance. I like the way the
coach solved the problems after losing two sets and coming back to
win the title. I hope this time China will solve all the problems
they had this year and if sp they are favorite. They can win in the
World Championship." said Acosta.
Acosta also pointed out the favorites in the 2006 World
Championship as he said, "It is obvious that one of the contenders
is Brazil, for both women and men. China for the women, Italy,
Russia Cuba, I think one of these five teams will take the World
Championship."
The 2006 World Championship will be held in Japan from October
31 to December 3.
(Xinhua News Agency October 27, 2006)