CVL shoots for the stars

China's revamped women's volleyball league is on a mission to boost its profile as the competition attempts to harness the adoration enjoyed by the national side.

The sport has long held a special place in the nation's hearts thanks to the Chinese women's team's all-conquering performances in the 1980s, with last year's gold medal finish at the Rio Olympics reawakening that passion.

However, the game's domestic competition and grassroots development still lag far behind the exposure afforded to the national team, while the Chinese Volleyball League's revenues and coverage are miniscule in comparison to its domestic soccer and basketball counterparts.