(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Exciting Start to FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship 2025 as Top Teams Secure Opening Wins
The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s U21 World Championship kicked off in thrilling fashion on Thursday, with strong performances from top contenders across three venues in Surabaya — JAWA POS Arena, Gelora Pancasila, and Samator Healthporia Volleyball Hall.
China, Italy, and Brazil Impress on Day One
Defending champions China began their title defense with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Croatia (23-25, 25-23, 27-25, 25-21) in Pool B. Despite dropping the first set, China bounced back through improved transition play and sharper attacking.
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Zhao Zexi led the way with 22 points, while captain Li Chenxuan added 18.
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Croatia’s Tonka Bosnjak shone with a match-high 27 points.
Italy, the 2023 silver medalists, delivered a commanding 3-0 win over Czechia (25-20, 25-15, 25-18) in Pool C.
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Merit Chinenyenwa Adigwe scored 12 points, supported by Linda Manfredini and Teresa Maria Bosso with 11 each.
Brazil also started strong, defeating Bulgaria 3-0 (25-12, 25-18, 25-19) in Pool D.
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Helena Wenk Hoengen was the top scorer with 18 points.
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Bulgaria’s Iva Dudova posted 14 points in a spirited effort.
USA, Argentina, and Serbia Start Strong
The United States secured a solid 3-1 win over Korea (25-17, 25-19, 19-25, 25-20).
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Henley Anderson impressed with 22 points, while Elena Hoeck added 14 including 5 aces.
Argentina eased past Canada with a 3-0 sweep (25-19, 26-24, 25-15).
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Martina Bednarek led with 16 points.
Serbia dominated Puerto Rico with a clean 3-0 win (25-18, 25-17, 25-19), featuring 16 total blocks.
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Katarina Gagic and Andrea Simovski both scored 16 points.
Other Pool Highlights
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Vietnam defeated hosts Indonesia 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-18), powered by captain Dang Thi Hong’s 21-point performance.
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Dominican Republic outlasted Mexico 3-1 (27-25, 15-25, 25-19, 25-15), with Virelys Shantal Rivera Soto scoring 23.
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Türkiye opened with a dominant 3-0 win over Algeria (25-12, 25-11, 25-14), led by Beren Yesilirmak.
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Poland swept Egypt (25-15, 25-16, 25-23), with Aleksandra Adamczyk notching 19 points.
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Thailand defeated Tunisia 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-23), thanks to 14 points each from Seetaloed and Panwilai.
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Japan wrapped up the day with a composed 3-1 win over Chile (25-15, 21-25, 25-16, 25-10), as Sae Omori dominated with 26 points.
What’s Next?
The tournament resumes on Friday with the second round of pool matches. With world-class talent on display and early title contenders already flexing their strength, the stage is set for a competitive and action-packed championship in Surabaya.
