Youth Olympics in Singapore: Volleyball Preview
14th August, 2010 marked the opening day of the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. The first of its kind event features a variety of sports and has attracted scores of young athletes from across the globe - all coming in a bid show their talent and skills on the world stage.
In addition to the various exciting sports at YOG 2010, indoor volleyball is an essential part of the event. Players between 14 to 18 years of age will take to the court on Saturday, 21st August 2010. As the opening day is fast approaching, participating teams are gearing up for the big day. Practice sessions are in full swing in order to sharpen their skill set and abilities.
The volleyball event has two gold medals to offer to the best teams in the respective boys and girls categories. Toa Payoh Sports Hall in Singapore has been selected as the venue for the volleyball event.
A total of 12 teams (6 girls and 6 boys) from 5 different continents will grace the event this season. Teams have been divided into two groups; Group A in the boy’s event has teams from Russia, Serbia and Democratic Republic of Congo while Group B comprises of Argentina, Cuba and Iran.
Teams have qualified on the basis of their previous achievements. Serbia became a part of the boy’s tournament after winning the FIVB Boys Youth World Championship in 2009. Likewise, Russia won the bronze medal at the European Volleyball Championship last year. The Argentineans confirmed their participation in the Summer Youth Olympics by achieving the top spot at the South American Volleyball Championship 2009. Cuba won the 2009 NORCECA Caribbean Championship while Democratic Republic of Congo and Iran are the African and Asian Champions respectively.
On the other hand, Group A for the girl’s event features teams from Japan, Peru and hosts’ Singapore. Teams from Belgium, United States and Egypt will play in Group B.
The Japanese girls’ team proved their worth by winning the Asian Championship 2009 in order to qualify for the Summer Youth Olympics in Singapore. Team Belgium is European champions in 2009 while USA won the NORCECA Championship. Egypt and Peru joined the squad by winning African and South American Girls’ championships. Singapore automatically qualified in the tournament as it is the host nation.
In the opening match of the tournament, Serbia will take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in boys’ event. Meanwhile the girls’ edition will see Singapore and Peru going head-to-head in the first match. Teams will play their opening matches on a Round Robin basis starting on Saturday. The boys’ match will start at 10:00 a.m. (local time) and it will be followed by the girls’ competition at 12:30 p.m. (local time). The top two teams in each pool will progress to the semi-final matches and the tournament will conclude on Wednesday, 25th August 2010.
FIVB has made excellent arrangements for the smooth sailing of this event. This tournament is solely dedicated to the young and passionate volleyball players from around the world and is a great opportunity for the upcoming crop of volleyball players to shine.
Tags: