China rising to the challenge

The inaugural BRICS Games provided a major shot in the arm for China's women's Under-20 volleyball team, according to head coach Shen Mang.

The squad will travel to Mexico for next month's U20 world championship, and Shen was thrilled to see his charges' mettle tested against top oppostion at the five-day Games that ended in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on Wednesday.

"We played hard against Brazil and Russia, and both will be our major rivals at the upcoming world championship," said Shen.