Tournament's return spikes amateurs' interest

With an emphasis on fun over intensity, the return of a much-loved gas volleyball tournament is inspiring a growing enthusiasm for the sport in China.

Back from a one-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the second edition of the Samaranch Cup Gas Volleyball Invitational in Xichang, Southwest China's Sichuan province, was testament to the sport's enduring appeal.

Drawn to gas volleyball's suitability for all ages, the Samaranch Foundation launched the tournament in 2021. Last week's competitions, where three age-group titles were contested, attracted nearly 2,000 participants representing 150 teams from 75 cities — more than double the turnout for the first edition.

Developed in the 1980s as a leisurely alternative to competitive indoor volleyball, the gas version of the sport, also known as balloon volleyball, is played with bigger and lighter balls made of soft materials, instead of the regular leather balls. Matches are played on a smaller court using a lower net than the regular version, making it easier to pick up for beginners and more accessible.

Although the action wasn't exactly high-octane, there was no denying the tournament in Xichang brought out the amateurs' competitive instincts, with spikes smashed with force, and players chasing down points with relentless blocks and saves.

As avid sports fans and regular exercisers when they were younger, many of the tournament's senior participants paid tribute to organizers for helping them tap into those memories, emotions and feelings once again.

"We really appreciate the opportunity to be able to compete with all the sports fans again after the pandemic, shake off the rust, make some new friends and help promote our shared interest together," said Zhang Shu, a player with Zehua volleyball club from Shaanxi province.

As China pushes forward with its goal of developing a world-class sporting nation by 2035, gas volleyball is perfectly suited to aspects of the plan that seek to boost the physical and mental well-being of an aging society.

"This game is easier to pick up, fun to play and adaptable for mass promotion anywhere in the country," said Chinese badminton legend Li Lingwei, who is president of the Samaranch Foundation.

"Staging a tournament like this on a regular basis will definitely bring more people to the sport, get more involved in it and help the whole country to stay fit and healthy," added Li, who is also a vice-president of the Chinese Olympic Committee and a member of the International Olympic Committee.

The Samaranch Foundation, a national nonpublic entity registered with the Ministry of Civil Affairs in Beijing in 2012, was established in memory of late former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch.

With gas volleyball already popular with senior citizens, organizers have also set their sights on attracting young people to the game. A charity training clinic was held at this year's tournament, aiming to encourage kids onto the volleyball court.

Led by Zhang Meiyu, a former professional player with the Sichuan province team, 25 volunteers visited a primary school in a rural area of Xichang on March 8 to introduce gas volleyball to 100 students during an open PE class. The kids were taught fundamental skills using the tournament's official game balls, produced by Hengjia Sports Goods.

"With these lighter inflatable balls with a soft feel, it's safer for kids to start at a young age," said Zhang. "Hopefully, the little pass-and-return session will grow some interest and attract them to the sport of volleyball."

An exhibition of Olympic memorabilia and a lecture on Olympic history were also organized during this year's tournament as part of an off-court program of cultural events.