A spike in performance

Twenty-three days separated a painful defeat from an Asian Games title.

On Aug 30 China's women's volleyball team was left nursing its wounds after a 3-2 loss to Thailand in the Asian Championship final in Tianjin, missing out on the continental title and direct qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics. A little over three weeks later, that same team stood victorious after defeating host Japan 3-0 in the Asian Games final in Nagoya, winning in straight sets, 25-19, 25-20 and 25-23.

The victory secured China's third consecutive Asian Games title and its 10th gold medal in the event's history.

Twenty-three days may not be enough for a team to undergo a complete transformation, but it was long enough to galvanize a young squad to win a major tournament.

Perhaps by exorcising the demons of that earlier Thailand defeat in a five-set semifinal win over the same opponent, it sparked the belief the team needed to overcome Japan.

Those three matches tested the team's ability to respond to setbacks, withstand pressure and handle crucial points — while giving a group of young players valuable experience on a major stage.

The importance of the Asian Games campaign had been highlighted even before the Chinese delegation left for Nagoya.

Gao Zhidan, minister of the General Administration of Sport of China, had singled out the women's volleyball team, saying he hoped it would "rebuild confidence at the Asian Games, regain the trust of people across the country" and "take the lead in the revitalization of the three major ball sports".

For a team in transition, the Asian Games, therefore, meant more than defending another title.

China's current squad is heavily made up of young players. Gong Xiangyu, Wang Mengjie and Wu Mengjie were the only three players with previous Asian Games experience.

For the young players making their Asiad debuts, the tournament offered a valuable opportunity to learn how to handle pressure on a major stage.

That was particularly evident in the final.

China appeared to be in control after taking the first two sets, but Japan surged ahead 10-2 in the third. Instead of allowing the match to slip away, China gradually fought its way back and leveled the score at 19-19 before closing out the set 25-23.

"We prepared ourselves for difficulties, so we were able to remain calm and keep a clear mind," said 23-year-old outside hitter Wu, who scored 26 points in the final.

"Everyone just wanted to do what was needed at that moment. We never thought about finishing the match as quickly as possible, and that was why we were able to come back in the third set."

For 18-year-old middle blocker Wang Aoqian, the gold medal carries significance beyond the result itself.

"This Asian Games gold medal is very important for our team at this stage. It not only boosts our confidence, but it also encourages us to aim higher," Wang said.

She added that young players should have the courage to take risks. "Young players should have that fighting spirit and energy — the attitude that 'I'm not afraid of making mistakes. If I can play to my ability, that's a good ball'."

Never giving up

But the turnaround began with that painful Thailand defeat in August.

China led Thailand 2-1 in the Asian Championship final in Tianjin before eventually losing 2-3. The disappointment of missing out on a continental title was compounded by the loss of a direct qualification berth for LA28.

The team didn't have time to dwell on it, though, needing to quickly recover for the Games.

Captain Gong stressed after the Asian Championship that the team could not afford to remain trapped by one defeat. "We carry the spirit of the Chinese women's volleyball team. We cannot fall because of one loss. We have to face our problems and stand up to difficulty," Gong said.

Outside hitter Zhuang Yushan, 23, also acknowledged that the defeat had been difficult emotionally, but the Games arriving so quickly afterward probably helped.

"Being part of the Chinese women's volleyball team means never giving up," Zhuang said after the Asian Games final victory over Japan. "Just like in the third set today, as long as we don't give up, we have a chance."

Former China international Bai Yun noted improvements in China's play at the net.

"The middle blockers looked much more composed. Their judgment and control of their rhythm in dealing with quick attacks were more confident and stable than before," Bai said.

"On blocks, the players made decisions more decisively and executed more accurately, building a stronger defensive line at the net."

Bai also noted that China's serving pressure had disrupted Thailand's first pass and weakened its quick-attacking system.

Coach Zhao Yong said fluctuations were normal in a match, particularly when the score was tight.

"As long as we stay on the court and fight for every point, we will always have a chance to close the gap or turn the situation around," Zhao said.

Collective progress

The Asian Games title gives the young Chinese team an important boost, but it does not erase the problems exposed earlier in the season.

Zhuang pointed to one area that still needs work.

"Sometimes we still hesitate a little on key points. Japan is more decisive in handling those moments, and that is something we need to continue learning," she said.

The team still needs to improve in several areas, including first-pass stability, serving pressure, blocking and defense, and decision-making in crucial moments.

For Wu, the match-winning point was not an individual achievement.

"Everyone sees the last spike I made, but without everyone's help, I might not even have had the chance to hit that final ball," she said.

That sense of collective progress may just be one of the most important gains from the Asian Games.

The gold medal has restored belief, but China's most important task in the new Olympic cycle remains securing a ticket to Los Angeles.

Having missed direct qualification at the Asian Championship, China will have to pursue an Olympic berth through subsequent international competitions. Next year's Volleyball Nations League and FIVB Volleyball World Cup will provide important opportunities.

For a young team, the Asian Games title is a valuable milestone rather than a destination.

In under a month, China went from losing to Thailand to returning to the top of Asian women's volleyball.

The bigger challenge now is to turn the experience gained in Nagoya into sustained competitiveness — and secure a ticket to LA to take on the world.