You could effortlessly hear a collective sigh among the home crowd on Tuesday night when an imperious Braga Ellen sealed the women's volleyball title for Brazil with her final kill. It marked the third time China had lost to the same opponent at the final hurdle during the Military World Games.

Unlike previous meetings in the group stage when China routed Brazil in straight sets, this game was a back-and-forth affair throughout as the lead changed hands multiple times. China eventually fell short, sending the yellow-shirted traveling contingent into absolute ecstasy.

The fully-packed Wuhan Sports Centre Stadium has fallen silent for a few seconds and then erupted in genuinely loving applause as Chinese fans paid tribute to both sides who tried their utmost to put on an awe-inspiring, rip-roaring performance befitting a final of the highest quality.

Not all fans were fortunate enough to witness such a spectacle though.

Despite the persistent drizzle and less-than-ideal weather, a flock of enthusiasts gathered outside the stadium before the game, hoping to secure a ticket at the last minute. But most of them felt let down as tickets to the Military World Games were a hot commodity.

In Wuhan, the demand for tickets is unprecedented, outpacing even the most generous expectations. Organizers say more than 80 percent of the total tickets have been sold. Shooting, archery, track and field are among the few sports where tickets can still be purchased, while sought-after events such as women's volleyball, men's basketball and swimming are largely unavailable.

Wang Yuepeng was among those who failed to bag a much-coveted ticket to the women's volleyball final. "I went to China's semi-final against Germany on Monday. The atmosphere was amazing with all of us supporters singing, swaying and chanting," he said.

"This is obviously not a common occurrence here. Missing out on the final will be one of my biggest regrets."

Zhang Luming, who plied his trade at the Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone, also known as "Optics Valley," said: "A lot of my colleagues and friends want to get in on the act and attend the games. Some of them are not even sports fans!"

"I watched the men's beach volleyball days ago and there was nearly a full crowd, which is quite incredible. All of us are getting pumped up."

This was not the case at the last several games – the 2015 edition in Mungyeong, South Korea and the 2011 gatherings in Rio de Janeiro – when tickets were given away and volunteers were sometimes summoned to fill empty seats.  

"The problem for us is not empty seats but overbooked events," beamed Zhang. "Without a shadow of doubt, this is going to be the most popular Military World Games ever."