China will compete in the Olympic women's volleyball event for the 11th straight time in Paris. The team won gold in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, but failed to advance to the knockout phase three years ago at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games.

China have been drawn into a very tough pool at this year's edition alongside the USA, Serbia and host nation France. Hui Ruoqi, a retired member of China's championship squad from Rio 2016, told CGTN Sports Scene's Jiang Mengxi that she's confident the team will perform well in their matches.

"I think there are challenges and opportunities at this year's Games," Hui said "The opponents are strong no matter if they are in the group stage or knockout phase. But I think China still has a big chance.  The opening match is crucial because it's very important to get into a groove quickly and find their form. A team only needs six matches to reach the final, which is less than at previous Olympics, so this requires us to get into a groove faster, as every point is important."

China will play their first match at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics against the USA on July 29. They beat the Americans 3-1 in this year's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) at the Maracanazinho in Rio in May.

"Besides China – Italy, the USA and Brazil are still strong as traditional powerful teams – and there are also some dark horses like Turkey and Poland.," said Hui. "We have seen their performances in the Women's Nations League, so it's hard to say who will finally win the gold, or who might face big difficulties. It depends on who made fewer mistakes."