MANILA — Alas Pilipinas Women plunge straight into a daunting test in their return to the Asian Games, battling nine-time and defending champion China today at the Okazaki Central Park General Stadium in Okazaki, Japan.
Back in the continental showcase for the first time since the 2018 Jakarta Games, the Filipinas will immediately measure themselves against a Chinese powerhouse that has long dominated Asian women’s volleyball.
Despite the formidable opening assignment, Philippine standout Bella Belen said Alas Women are ready to embrace the challenge.
“We will do our very best against China,” Belen said during the team’s flight from Manila.
The Philippine delegation arrived in Nagoya on Sunday, September 13, giving the squad three days to settle in and prepare for its Pool B opener.
While an upset of China would provide a massive boost to the Filipinas’ quarterfinal bid, their succeeding match against Kazakhstan looms as the more crucial encounter in their bid to advance.
With only three teams in Pool B, the Philippines will need a victory over Kazakhstan to strengthen its chances of securing a quarterfinal berth.
China enters the tournament as the reigning Asian Games champion after capturing its ninth women’s volleyball gold medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Games with a sweep of Japan in the final.
For the Philippines, the campaign marks its first appearance in the Asian Games women’s volleyball competition in eight years.
Veteran setter and team captain Jia De Guzman provides a link to the country’s previous Asian Games squad, having also suited up for the Philippines in Jakarta in 2018.
Joining De Guzman and Belen on the Alas Women roster are Eya Laure, Angel Canino, Shaina Nitura, Alyssa Solomon, Amie Provido, Thea Gagate, Dell Palomata, Niña Ytang, Mars Alba and Justine Jazareno.
The Asian Games volleyball program will also feature the men’s tournament beginning September 27, while beach volleyball opens September 20 at the Hekinan Ryokuchi Beach Court.
Qatar and China enter the Games as defending champions in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively./PN
