Venezuelans hoping they’re back to stay

Venezuela’s qualification for the Tokyo Olympics has meant a lot for an entire nation that’s absolutely passionate about volleyball. Seeing the ‘Vinotinto’ on the greatest stage of international sport for the first time since the Beijing 2008 Games has excited millions of fans in the South American country, but for the 12 players who are currently competing in Japan, what they accomplished carries even greater weight.

In Tokyo, Venezuela is competing among the elite of the sport for the first time since they finished 11th at the 2015 FIVB Volleyball World Cup. Since that opportunity, the team have been limited to continental tournaments and second-tier international competition.

“It’s an honour for us to be back in the Olympics, it’s the best competition in the world,” said setter and team captain Jose Maria ‘Chema’ Carrasco. “The organisation here in Japan is great and perfect, and to play in this great country motivates us to give our best every day.”

“Volleyball is very popular in our country but it hasn’t been ideal for us in terms of training and competing over the last few years. But we had to accept that and we are glad that we were able to do something great by grabbing this opportunity to qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo.”

Competing in Tokyo is definitely a step forward in what head coach Ronald Sarti once called ‘the rebirth’ of Venezuelan volleyball. But the long absence from international-level tournaments has had an impact.

The South Americans have played in two pool A matches at the Ariake Arena already, and in both of them, against hosts Japan and Iran, were downed in straight sets by stronger and better-prepared opponents.

“The reality now is that it’s so hard for us because the level of play is so high and we are not used to playing at this level,” Carrasco said. “This was the main reason we lost two matches in straight sets. We lacked consistency and maybe if we had better preparation and played in more events like this, then we could do something better. We will just have to keep trying and playing our best in each match and if the opportunity comes, then we will grab it.”

Carrasco and his teammates know it better than anyone else - the only way for Venezuelan volleyball to improve consistently and return to the level of 15 years ago, when the team frequently appeared in the strongest tournaments on the planet, is to play at the highest level as much as possible.

They are doing just that at the Olympics and, even though their hearts and souls are fully engaged by their experience in Tokyo, which will include at least another three matches, they already have a new target in mind.

“For us to come here and play at this level, it will give us a lot of motivation when we compete at the qualification event for the World Championship (the South American Championship) next month,” he added. “It’s good to play here and increase our level of play.”

Quick links:
Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 - Volleyball
Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 - Volleyball - Match schedule
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