AMMAN, Jordan — Japan is eager to defend its title in the 2nd AVC Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship from November 1 to 8, both held at the Prince Hamzah Arena and Princess Sumaya Hall in Al Hussein Youth City.
Thirteen teams vie for the 2nd Asian U16 championship, with the Japanese squad raring to keep the crown on their side after beating China in the 2023 final, 25-19, 25-22, 17-25, 25-19, in the inaugural edition in Hangzhou.
Japan head coach Daichi Saegusa admitted they only had a short time to prepare, but he’s confident that his team will do everything to win it all again this year.
“We will do our best to win. That’s all,” said Saegusa, who is enjoying their stay in Jordan with his whole team.
“We had a very short time before the Asian Championship. So day by day, we get more experience and power.”
Japan is slated in Pool B, kicking off its campaign against the Philippines on November 1 at 6 p.m. (Jordan time). The defending champion’s next assignment is Iran on November 3.
Pool A is composed of host Jordan, Uzbekistan, and Hong Kong. China, the 2023 Asian U16 runner-up, is slated in Pool C with Kazakhstan, Qatar, and South Korea, while 2023 bronze medalist Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and Australia clash in Pool D.
Jordan has two venues for this championship, with the Prince Hamzah Arena as court 1, where Pool A and C games will be held. Pool B and Pool D teams will play at court 2 in Princess Sumaya Hall.