The draw for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament was held in Laussane this afternoon. The 24 highest-ranked teams were drawn in three pools of eight teams. The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the Paris Olympics.

The Yellow Tigers (FIVB-11) will take on Japan in Pool B against hosts Japan (FIVB-6), Brazil (FIVB-3), Turkey (FIVB-7), Bulgaria (FIVB-16), Puerto Rico (FIVB-17), Argentina (FIVB-22) and Peru (FIVB-26). The matches will be played between September 16 and 24.

Britt Herbots: Of course there are no simple pools at the OKT, 2 teams qualify directly which means you always have to beat top teams! With Japan, Brazil and Turkey we have 3 very difficult matches but also Bulgaria and Puerto Rico are not to be underestimated. We will be able to prepare well with an EC in our own country! And hopefully head to the OKT with a positive flow to fight for a ticket there! 💪🏼

The Red Dragons (FIVB-21) may book a flight to: China. There we will meet hosts China (FIVB-26), Poland (FIVB-1), Argentina (FIVB-8), Netherlands (FIVB-13), Canada (FIVB-15), Mexico (FIVB-18), Bulgaria (FIVB-23). These teams will take on each other between September 30 and October 8.

Sam Deroo had a first reaction in store: Apart from Poland we are all teams we can handle on good days so in my opinion the best chance we have had in a very long time. I'm excited 🤩!

Headcoach Emanuele Zanini: Every group is difficult and in this system it will be hard for any team to qualify, as only 11 teams go through. We have to start the preparations full of enthusiasm and with a good attitude. The season consists of 3 parts: the European Golden League, the European Championship and then the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. It is important that we develop our game system well. Meanwhile, the young players also have a year more experience.