Paris 2024 Olympics: Volleyball – history, rules, reigning champions – Firstpost

In 1895, William G. Morgan, director of physical education at the YMCA and a student at Springfield College, is recognized as the founder of volleyball in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

Volleyball was originally known as Mintonette and the sport was developed for indoor use by older YMCA members, inspired by tennis and handball.

The sport quickly became popular and spread to other countries in the early 20th century, first to Canada and later to Cuba and Japan.

What are the rules of volleyball?

The rules for volleyball were created in the early 1900s. In 1947, the first international federation (Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB)) was founded.

The following year, the first men’s world championships were held, followed by the women’s debut in 1952.

Volleyball matches consist of two teams of six players on an indoor court measuring 18m by 9m. Matches are played in a best-of-five sets format, with points being earned when the ball remains within the court boundaries or through a misplay by the opponent.

The set is won by the first team to reach 25 points with a margin of two points. A fifth set may be played until 15 points are reached.

The ball can travel at speeds of up to 130 km/h, requiring players to use enormous strength and quick reflexes to block the ball effectively.

What is the history of volleyball in the Olympics?

Volleyball made its Olympic debut at the 1964 Tokyo Games. The competitions followed a single round-robin format until the 1972 Munich Games, when it switched to pool stage and final rounds to determine medal winners.

Teams from the Soviet Union, Cuba, Italy, the People’s Republic of China and Brazil traditionally feature prominently on the Olympic podium.

The former Soviet Union, Brazil and the United States top the Olympic volleyball standings, each having won at least ten medals.

Who are the reigning champions?

Men: France

Women: United States

Which athletes should we keep an eye on?

Jordan Larson, United States: The 37-year-old Larson is competing in his fourth Olympic Games.

Jordyn Poulter, United States: The 26-year-old setter suffered a serious knee injury in late 2022, underwent surgery early last year and only recently returned to 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 for 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 during the Paris Olympics?

The preliminary round begins on July 27, the play-offs begin on August 5, and the gold medal matches will take place on August 10 (men) and August 11 (women).

The volleyball tournament will take place in the South Paris Arena.