After an impressive Day 1, two players cite challenge as motivation to apply for AsiaQuarter.
The first day of the 2024 Korea Volleyball Organization (KOVO) Women’s Asia Quarter Tryouts got underway at Halla Gymnasium in Jeju. After a morning of physical fitness tests, the 29 applicants gathered at Halla Gymnasium to play a practice match in their numbered red vests, trying to impress the officials in attendance.
Two of the top performers were interviewed by the press. No. 8 Zhang Yu (MB, China) and No. 20 Thuy Linh Tran (OH, Vietnam). Zhang used his imposing height of 197 centimeters and standing reach of 254 centimeters to play a relaxed game, while Thuy Linh Tran 스포츠토토사이트 played with a steady hand and a sharp straight line attack.
The two players met with the media after all the official events of Day 1 had concluded. “I was a little nervous at first, but after warming up, I felt more and more comfortable as I played,” said Zhang Yu, who was interviewed first.
Zhang, who has only played in the Chinese league, Beijing Motor, was taking on his first overseas challenge. “For the last two years, even if I wanted to go overseas, I couldn’t,” he said. Partly because of COVID-19, and partly because my team didn’t want to lose a middle blocker. Then the opportunity to go to Korea came up and I took it. I had a longing for the V-League and a desire for a new challenge,” he said, emphasizing that he wanted a challenge.
“I think I have an advantage in blocking because I’m ‘a little’ taller (laughs),” said Jang, who introduced himself modestly, “If I make it to the V-League, I want to dedicate myself to the team to the best of my ability. I also want to learn about Korea’s excellent training system, and I want to be at my best with strict mind control.”
Thuy Linh Tran, who was also interviewed, also mentioned the spirit of challenge. “In 2018, I came to Korea to participate in a youth competition, and I felt like a frog in a well. When you go abroad and experience different things, you get that feeling. I wanted to broaden my horizons more professionally, so I decided to take on this challenge,” said Thuy Linh Tran, who was inspired to apply for AsiaQuarter.
“I think the most important thing about the V-League is the quality of the players who are upwardly mobile and the atmosphere of the teams,” said Thuy Linh Tran, who also shared her positive impression of Korean volleyball, saying, “Every team has its ups and downs, but at least the Korean volleyball I’ve seen is a beautiful game.”
The two players boarded the plane to Jeju with the spirit of challenge in their hearts, and they succeeded in making a mark with their impressive performances on Day 1. We look forward to seeing who else will prove their worth on Day 2.