Hosts Japan look for first ever Women's World Grand Champions Cup gold
With six editions of hosting the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup, Japan's women have yet to win a gold medal, but with a bronze medal from the 2012 London Olympics under their belt, 2013 just may be their year.
Since winning bronze at the London Olympics, Japan’s first Olympic medal since 1984, the Japan Volleyball Association has put in place a new squad for the current quadrennial, in hopes of a winning roster in the future.
Next week’s Grand Champions Cup will play an important role in leading Japan to a winning future, as they face the best women’s volleyball teams in the world.
Masayoshi Manabe’s team is keen to follow up on their bronze medal performance at London with another medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, as well as advancing on their 2010 World Championship bronze medal. The team also came fourth at the 2013 FIVB World Grand Prix and placed second at the Asian Championship in September.
Japan’s first match of the Grand Champions Cup will be against Russia on Tuesday at 19:10 GMT - the last match of the day.
