In the heart of Zhangzhou, Fujian, the story of the Chinese women’s volleyball team is told through a legacy of hard work and triumph. The Zhangzhou Sports Training Base, which has been in operation since 1973, has been a vital partner in their journey, providing an essential setting for their rigorous training and pushing them toward greater achievements.
The city itself is infused with a passion for volleyball. Enhancements in facilities and promoting fitness for all reflect the determined strides toward building a robust sports nation.
One of the standout features in downtown Zhangzhou is the statue of the Chinese women’s volleyball team, proudly holding a trophy in one hand and a bouquet in the other. This monument commemorates their remarkable three consecutive championships at the World Cup in 1981, the World Championship in 1982, and the 1984 Olympic Games.
Today, this site has evolved into an iconic landmark, with the training base located just beside it. Upon entering the training hall, the bright red flag with the five stars hangs overhead, accompanied by motivational slogans like “Country First,” “Unity and Cooperation,” “Strive with Determination,” and “Never Give Up.” The facility is equipped with a variety of training tools, including serving machines, blocking equipment, and fitness gear. Recently, the Chinese national youth women’s volleyball team completed a training camp here.
The transition from a simple bamboo shelter to a modern sports facility is quite a journey. In 1972, driven by the need to grow the sport, the National Sports Commission decided to establish a volleyball training base in southern China, ultimately choosing Zhangzhou after some evaluation. That winter, local military and civilians worked together to construct the “Bamboo Pavilion” within just 23 days, with a foundation made of compacted earth. By 1973, this became China’s very first volleyball training base.
With a motto to “get muddy, toughen up, practice hard, and aim for the summit,” the Chinese women’s volleyball team started their journey, achieving numerous accolades along the way.
Entering the 21st century, the training conditions at the base required significant upgrades. In 2000, during a challenging phase for the team, the Zhangzhou facility began to show its age. “The living conditions were basic, and the old training hall was inadequate for our needs,” recalled former head coach Chen Zhonghe. The facility built in the 1970s had a ceiling height of only seven meters, far below international standards, which hindered the team’s ability to practice advanced techniques. There were even issues with leaking roofs and hollow wooden floors.
To support the athletes’ training and living arrangements, a collaborative effort was launched in November 2000 involving the Fujian provincial government, the National Sports Administration, and the Fujian Sports Bureau to secure funding for new training venues and athlete dormitories. By July 2001, specific funding was released to address the immediate needs of the team. “From then on, our meal standards improved, and living conditions got better,” Chen noted.
Thanks to these collaborative efforts, the Chinese women’s volleyball team found its footing again. In 2003, they claimed the World Cup title with a perfect record of 11 wins. By March 2004, they bid farewell to the old training facility as they transitioned to the new one in preparation for the Olympic Games, ultimately winning the championship in Athens just five months later.
The modern training hall, resembling a soaring swallow, has witnessed the team soar to new heights, with victories in the 2015 World Cup, the 2016 Rio Olympics, and again in the 2019 World Cup.
From high-performance training to fostering community fitness, the training base has become a hub of activity. Former player Xu Yunli shared that her time in Zhangzhou remains a cherished memory. “There’s always a sense of home when we are here,” Xu reflected, recalling the warmth of being well-fed and supported, regardless of how late practices ran. “Preparing in Zhangzhou gave us confidence for major competitions.”
The staff at the Zhangzhou Sports Training Base are committed to providing the best for the athletes. “We listen to their feedback to adjust meal plans and continually improve our services,” they shared. “We want to do our part to support the athletes through their challenging training routines.”
In recent years, the facilities have seen continuous upgrades, including the opening of a new apartment complex in August 2020. The city’s support for the women’s volleyball team is palpable. “Sometimes when I’m out and encounter fans, they won’t intrude but will cheer us on with a simple ‘Go for it,’” Xu noted. Volleyball has become a hot topic in Zhangzhou, with numerous residents becoming dedicated fans. As one local enthusiast, Mr. He, stated, “Whether in peaks or valleys, we stand by the Chinese women’s volleyball team.”
On October 13, Zhangzhou hosted the finals of the first national fitness competition, showcasing the growing interest in sports at the grassroots level. Besides athlete training, the base has opened its facilities for various community fitness events.
“Zhangzhou residents express their love for the Chinese women’s volleyball team through active participation in sports,” explained Yang Suping, director of the Zhangzhou Sports Bureau. “We’ve established volleyball zones in various districts and ensured that every village has facilities and that events are held monthly.”
Statistics reveal a thriving fitness landscape in Zhangzhou, with smart sports parks established county-wide, an average of 2.91 square meters of sports area per person, and a ratio of 23.4 community sports instructors per every 10,000 residents, hosting over 150 sporting events annually.
From nurturing one team to developing a pipeline of talented athletes, the future looks promising. At Xiangfeng Hope Primary School in Huian County, coaches from the Zhangzhou Youth Sports School are teaching young students essential volleyball skills.
Tenth-grader Wen Zhijing shared her determination to excel, having just helped her team to victory at the Fujian Youth Volleyball Championship. “Even though training can be exhausting, I still love volleyball,” she said, adding that the sport has taught her the strength of teamwork.
“Zhangzhou has a vibrant volleyball culture, with many children playing,” said Coach Lin Jing. The city has made strides in integrating volleyball into schools, creating a steady flow of talent. Since 2019, Zhangzhou has produced 18 athletes for provincial teams, with nine making it to national levels.
“We’re actively involved in classroom talks, volleyball lessons, and themed exhibitions to inspire kids’ interest in the sport, hoping to unveil even more volleyball talents,” concluded Li Lingming, director of the Zhangzhou Chinese Women’s Volleyball Spirit Exhibition Hall.
