)Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Gabi Shines as Brazil Defeats Japan to Claim Bronze at Women’s Volleyball World Championship
Sept 7, 2025
Brazil ended their 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship campaign on a high note, securing a bronze medal after a thrilling five-set victory over Japan in Bangkok, Thailand.
The South Americans bounced back from their semifinal loss to Italy with a 3-2 win (25-12, 25-17, 19-25, 27-29, 18-16) on Sunday at the Huamark Indoor Stadium. The hard-fought triumph earned Brazil their sixth medal in 18 tournament appearances — four silvers (1994, 2006, 2010, 2022) and now two bronzes (2014, 2025).
Gabi Leads with a Historic Performance
Brazilian captain Gabriela ‘Gabi’ Guimarães delivered one of the standout performances of the championship, scoring an incredible 35 points (33 kills, one block, one ace). Just a day earlier, she had tallied 29 points against Italy in the semifinals.
“We deserved it,” Gabi said after the match. “We couldn’t leave Thailand without a medal. It was tough to play another tie-breaker after yesterday, but we fought for each other and showed our mental strength.”
Fellow outside hitter Júlia Bergmann added 13 points, while opposite Rosamaria Montibeller chipped in with 11.
Japan Puts Up a Fierce Fight
Japan pushed Brazil to the limit, led by Yoshino Sato, who scored 34 points (29 kills, three aces, two blocks). Team captain Mayu Ishikawa contributed 23 kills, and Yukiko Wada added 13 points.
Despite outscoring Brazil in attack with 75 kills to 68, Japan’s higher error count (26 to Brazil’s 13) proved costly. Brazil’s blocking strength (15 points to Japan’s six) was also a decisive factor.
A Memorable Podium Finish
The victory came on Brazil’s Independence Day, making the medal even more symbolic. Players honored injured outside hitter Ana Cristina Souza by carrying her jersey to the podium during the celebrations.
With the bronze secured, Brazil reaffirmed their status as one of the world’s volleyball powerhouses, while Japan earned praise for their resilience and fighting spirit.
