The Chinese U16 side secured the bronze medal at the 2nd Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship after a tense five-set victory over Japan in Amman. Japan took the opening set 28-26, but China rallied to win the next two sets 25-16 and 25-21 before Japan forced a decider. China held firm in the final set and closed it out 15-13 to take third place at Prince Hamzah Hall.

South Korea claimed the championship after prevailing 3-2 over Chinese Taipei in a tightly contested final. The title match mirrored the bronze-medal thriller in intensity, underlining the rising quality of youth volleyball across Asia. Both finalists celebrated after a five-set duel that delivered drama and shifting momentum throughout.

China edges Japan in five-set classic

China recovered from the narrow first-set loss to dominate the second and third sets, showing clearer attacking rhythm and better service pressure. The Chinese side mixed timely blocks with sharper transitions to seize momentum and put Japan on the back foot.

Japan responded in the fourth set with improved defense and quicker combinations to force a fifth set. In the decider, China managed the crucial points better in the endgame, converting key serves and maintaining composure to secure a 15-13 victory.

Top four earn berths to the 2026 U17 World Championship

With South Korea, Chinese Taipei, China and Japan finishing as the top four, those teams have clinched qualification for the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship. The outcome ensures strong Asian representation at next year’s world meet and rewards youth programs that invested in talent development.

The tournament in Amman provided a competitive platform for emerging stars and offered a preview of players who could impact the U17 World Championship. National federations will now turn their focus to preparing squads for international challenges in 2026.