Nagoya Asian Games: Taiwan women's volleyball team sweeps Kyrgyzstan in straight games in first game

Cai Youqun scored a game-high 13 points. (Provided by Nagoya Asian Games Preparatory Committee)

[Reporter Lu Yangxuan/Comprehensive Report] The Taiwanese women's volleyball team swept Kyrgyzstan 3:0 (25:14, 25:15, 25:9) in the first game of the Asian Games in Nagoya yesterday, successfully winning a red set in the group stage. Head coach Deng Yanmin affirmed the team's performance after the game.

In this campaign, all 12 players of the Taiwan team got a chance to play, and all attackers scored. Among them, Cai Youqun scored a game-high 13 points, and Zhang Qianqi contributed 11 points. Deng Yanmin said that the 12 players are all important parts of the team, and they hope to get everyone into the rhythm of the game when there is a suitable opportunity. "The Asian Games is not completed by one or two people. All 12 people are ready to play their roles at any time."

Facing an opponent whose strength is lagging behind, Deng Yanmin emphasized that the focus of the game is still to complete the content of his preparation. In this game, he mainly hopes to confirm the execution of the serve, the attack efficiency after the return, the offensive and defensive transition, and the personnel matching in different rounds. "No matter what opponent we face, the most important thing is to do a good job in our game so that the entire team can run smoothly."

In terms of staffing and defensive positions, the Taiwanese team also had different arrangements for this game. Deng Yanmin pointed out that this was not an on-the-spot test, but a direction that had been established before the Asian Games. This year's new rules include an increase in the number of substitutions and the selection of free agents before each game, which makes on-site scheduling space more diverse. Therefore, the coaching team also takes the players' "dual attributes" and versatility into consideration when selecting the 12-man roster.

"The relatively fixed lineup in the past had its stability, but since the rules have brought new space, we should be brave enough to use it." Deng Yanmin said that he hopes to increase the team's changes and choices on the field through the deployment of different players' characteristics on the offensive and defensive ends. "It also creates one more possibility to change the game to break through the original restrictions."

The Taiwan team will face Mongolia at 3 pm tomorrow. Deng Yanmin revealed that Mongolia has new players joining this year, among which the flexibility and strength of the main attacker are quite outstanding. The team will make offensive and defensive preparations for them, while continuing today's service pressure, team defense and on-court communication.

"Every game in the Asian Games is a step forward." Deng Yanmin also reminded players not to rush to see the results later, but to focus on every game and every point in front of them. "Continue to enjoy this stage with energy, and continue to fight to break through yourself."