In what appeared to be a teary sendoff for Chinese women's volleyball coach Lang Ping, the defending champions bowed out of Tokyo Olympics after being knocked out at the group stage despite a 3-0 win over Argentina in its last group game on Monday.
Lang, who took over the Chinese team in 2013, has repeatedly said that Tokyo 2020 would probably be her swan song, but it is not official yet.
"I think we should let talented young coaches take charge and lead the young players to go forward," she said.
Chinese women's volleyball team players bow to coach Lang Ping after defeating Argentina 3-0 at Tokyo Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, August 2, 2021. /CFP
"I had amazing eight years as I saw the team grow. It is complete to see them win championships at the Olympics, World Cups, and medals in different tournaments, except for the pity at Tokyo Olympics. But it may be better for the young people to desire and pursue their next dream," said Lang, who led China to triumph in three major tournaments – the World Cups in 2015 and 2019 as well as the Rio Olympics in 2016.
The 60-year-old also said that she would continue to engage in volleyball in future, such as promoting the development of the sport globally.
Earlier, the legendary coach said she would take the blame after the defending champions crashed out at the group stage at the Tokyo Olympics, the worst performance in nearly 40 years.
Chinese women's volleyball team pose for a photo after defeating Argentina 3-0 at Tokyo Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, August 2, 2021. /CFP
"I take all the blame as I'm the head coach. When facing difficulties, I could not find a solution and lead the team out of the trap," said Lang, who was known as the "Iron Hammer" during her days as a player.
Failing to make it to the quarterfinals marks China's worst finish at the Olympics since winning the title in Los Angeles in 1984. China's previous lowest ranking was seventh in 1992 at the Barcelona Olympic Games.
"I am really sorry that we failed to live up to the expectations of our fans back in China. They are so loyal and supportive to us."
Zhu Ting of China spikes during the game against the Russian Olympic Committee team at Tokyo Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, July 29, 2021. /CFP
Lang attributed her team's lackluster performance in Tokyo to excessive reliance on its star spiker Zhu Ting, who has been suffering a wrist injury.
"We knew Zhu had problems with her wrist but did not know it would get worse, and it became so difficult for her to spike," said Lang.
Regarded as one of the best outside spikers in the world, Zhu only converted on 34 of her 96 killing attempts at Tokyo 2020, far below her statistics at the Rio Olympics and the 2019 World Cup, where she was twice named the MVP.
"I want to tell the young players that you won't have a plain sailing all along, both on and off the court. I think this (defeat) is a kind of fortune and we have to learn to accept it," added Lang.
(With input from Xinhua)