Seoul, Korea, May 31, 2017 - The Koreans were in danger of ending their 2016 FIVB Volleyball World League campaign without a win before claiming victories against the Czech Republic, Egypt and the Netherlands on home soil at the Jangchung Arena in week three.
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Korea begin the 2017 World League with a new head coach, Kim Hochul. Kim also coached the Korean national team to win gold at the 2006 Doha Asian Games and now returns with significant responsibility. He will be joined by former volleyball stars Im Dohun and Lee Youngtaik as assistant coaches.
Coach Kim has been careful to mix generations of players within his team. “We need veterans to lead the team, but we tried to select mostly young players this time. I am looking forward to the young players’ passion, will, and courage,” he said. Kim will also be counting on the likes of Lee Kangwon, Yoo Yoonsik, and Park Joohyeong who are joining the national team for the first time.
Middle blocker and captain Lee Sunkyu and Sin Yungsuk will guard the middle and be joined by Jung Jiseok, who rose to prominence in last year’s World League. New setters Lee Mingyu and No Jaewook are expected to lead the next generation of Korean volleyball by accumulating experience in this year's competition.
Korea, who are ranked 22nd in the FIVB Senior World Ranking (as per August 22, 2016) will first meet the Czech Republic, who are ranked 27th, at the Jangchung Arena stadium in Seoul. Korea are likely to adopt fast team play and will attempt to capitalise on their victories in last year's tournament.
Korea’s goal is to remain in Group 2. “We need to win at least four games out of nine preliminary round matches. We hope to get good results in the first week in Seoul. I trust the players,” said coach Kim.