The Hammer cometh
Updated: 2013-04-26 02:41
By TANG ZHE (China Daily)
|
|||||||||||
|
Newly appointed Chinese women's national volleyball coach Lang Ping (left) and men's coach Xie Guochen shake hands during a news conference on Thursday in Beijing. Zou Hong / China Daily |
China hires ex-coach Lang Ping in attempt to revitalize volleyball team
No more fear. The Iron Hammer is here.
For the past four years, Chinese women's volleyball has been plagued by frustrating international results, frequent coach reshuffles, numerous injuries and a shortage of talent.
Volleyball was the first sport in which China succeeded on a global scale and was widely followed in the 1980s.
A prolonged slump might finally be coming to an end though, as Lang Ping was appointed head coach of the Chinese women's national team for the second time.
Known as the "Iron Hammer", Lang was the country's best-known volleyball icon and a symbol of the "never-say-die" spirit of the team in its heyday. She has been the favorite for the coaching post since the sports authority unveiled its four candidates on April 15. Her return is expected to bring attention and confidence back to the sport.
In an online poll on
Sina.com, more than 70 percent of participants said they believe Lang will lead women's volleyball back to the top flight internationally.
Lang's appeal among Chinese volleyball players is also expected to boost the current national lineup, which has several veterans who are planning to retire.
National team player Wei Qiuyue, who was going to retire after the National Games in September, said she is ready to play for the national team for as long as needed now that Lang is the coach.
"Lang's rich coaching experiences give her quite a bit of familiarity with her opponents' strategy and character," Wei said. "She was also an outstanding athlete, which makes it easier for her to understand the feelings and mentality of the players."
Related Stories
China's women's volleyball head coach since 1980s 2013-04-25 17:36
Volleyball's 'Iron Hammer' double strikes team China 2013-04-25 14:23
Lang Ping among 4 candidates for coaching job at volleyball team 2013-04-19 17:31
Chinese volleyball champion coach eyes move to West 2013-02-25 16:33
China's volleyball players in no-win position 2012-11-29 17:43
Volleyball can't save day 2012-08-10 08:10
Today's Top News
Xi urges prevention against secondary disasters
French president starts China visit
Leaders see challenges for economy
China calls on Japan to face history
China confirms high-sea voyage of aircraft carrier
China denies army's India trespass
Factories to face headwinds from enlarged TPP
Investors find a home in overseas real estate
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Disaster: Self help and survival |
Life resumes in 'isolated island' |
Supplies pour into isolated villages |
All-out efforts to save lives |
Liaoning: China's oceangoing giant |
Poultry industry under pressure |