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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, March 10, 2004

Chinese women's volleyball aims at title in Athens

Chinese women's volleyball team will fight for the gold medal in the upcoming Olympic Games in Athens, team leader Li Quanqiang said in southeast China's Zhanghou on Mar. 9.


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Chinese women's volleyball team will fight for the gold medal in the upcoming Olympic Games in Athens, team leader Li Quanqiang said in southeast China��s Zhanghou on Mar. 9.

China, who ended their 17-year world title drought by winning the World Cup title last November in Japan, will work hard to reach the top three, Li said.

"That's our goal," Li said. "But at the same time, we will make every effort for the gold medal."

The Chinese women's team, who dominated the world from 1981 to 1986 as they won two World Cup titles, two world championships titles and an Olympic gold medal, has had the strength to bring home the gold from Athens, Li said.

"The players have steadily improved themselves since the team was established in 2001. And the World Cup victory last year boosted our confidence. We also know better our rivals. So all the players and coaches have set a goal, which is to win in Athens."

But the official is also soberly aware of the challenge ahead. "China stands at the same level with the United States, Russia, Italy and Brazil. No team has a sure chance for victory. The competition in Athens will be very hot," he said.

Li said the players have been under extreme pressure after being tagged as national heroines after the World Cup triumph. That, he thinks, will pose an extra difficulty to them in Athens.

He said the Chinese team will be better prepared after the one-month training, which starts on Monday. "The training is very important for the Olympic Games," he said. "I think they will be in best shape one month later," he added.


Head coach Chen Zhonghe



Chen Jing (L) and Yang Hao (R)



Yang Hao


Source: Xinhua


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