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Volleyball has been part of the Olympic programme since the 1964 Tokyo Games. read more
 "Volleyball - history, rules, defending champions")
Volleyball action will take place at South Paris Arena during the upcoming Summer Games. Reuters file photo
In 1895, William G. Morgan, a YMCA physical education director and student at Springfield College, is acknowledged as the creator of volleyball in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Volleyball was originally known as Mintonette and the game was designed for indoor enjoyment by older YMCA members, drawing inspiration from tennis and handball.
The sport gained rapid popularity, spreading to other countries in the early 20th century, beginning in Canada and then moving to Cuba and Japan.
What are the rules of volleyball?
Rules for volleyball emerged in the early 1900s, with the formation of the first international federation (Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB)) occurring in 1947.
The first men’s world championships were held the next year, followed by the women’s competition debut in 1952.
Volleyball matches consist of two teams of six players on an indoor court measuring 18m by 9m. Games are played in a best-of-five sets format, with points earned when the ball stays within the court boundaries or due to an opponents’ playing error.
The set is won by the first team to reach 25 points with a two-point margin, and a potential fifth set is played to 15 points.
The ball can travel at speeds up to 130km/h, demanding immense strength and quick reflexes from players to block them effectively.
What is volleyball’s history at Olympics?
Volleyball made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 1964 Games. The competitions featured a single round-robin format until the 1972 Munich Games, where it transitioned to pool rounds and final rounds to determine medalists.
Teams from the Soviet Union, Cuba, Italy, the People’s Republic of China, and Brazil have traditionally been prominent on the Olympic podium.
The former Soviet Union, Brazil, and the United States lead the Olympic volleyball medal standings, each having earned at least ten medals.
Who are the reigning champions?
Men: France
Women: United States
Who are the athletes to watch?
Jordan Larson, United States: The 37-year-old Larson will be making her fourth appearance at the Olympics.
Jordyn Poulter, United States: The 26-year-old setter sustained a serious knee injury late in 2022, had surgery early last year and only recently resumed full action.
Earvin N’Gapeth, France: The 33-year-old outside hitter helped France win gold in Tokyo three years ago. He’s also a good rapper.
Which countries have qualified at Paris 2024?
Men: Japan, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Poland, Egypt, United States, Argentina, France, Serbia, Slovenia, Canada.
Women: Italy, Dominican Republic, Poland, Japan, Turkey, Netherlands, Brazil, Kenya, United States, China, France, Serbia.
When and where will volleyball take place at Paris Olympics?
The preliminary round begins July 27, with playoffs starting Aug. 5 and gold medal matches on Aug. 10 (men) and 11 (women).
Volleyball will take place at the South Paris Arena.
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English (US) ·