Zhao Yong, a former Chinese national men's volleyball player, was appointed as the head coach of the Chinese national women's volleyball team, with the primary goal of securing a podium finish at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The volleyball management center of China's State General Administration of Sport announced the appointment here on Thursday.

"Zhao Yong demonstrates strong resilience under pressure, emphasizes discipline in training, and excels in team management. His competence, coaching experience, work ethic, and mental fortitude make him well-suited for the role of head coach of the Chinese women's volleyball team," said Lai Yawen, director of the volleyball management center.

Zhao previously spent several years coaching the Liaoning women's volleyball team. In 2023, he led the Chinese university women's volleyball team - composed primarily of second-tier national players - to victory at the Chengdu Universiade. In 2024, he guided the Chinese team to claim the gold medal at the U17 Women's Volleyball World Championship.

The volleyball management center has also unveiled the new Chinese women's volleyball roster, featuring 19 players.

The squad includes four World Cup champions, namely Gong Xiangyu, Wang Yuanyuan, Wang Mengjie and Li Yingying, and several promising youngsters under the age of 20 - such as Yang Shuming, Fan Boning and Zhang Zixuan - have earned their first national team call-ups after representing China at junior levels.

At Paris 2024, the Chinese team finished fifth with three wins and one loss. For the new Olympic cycle, Lai has earlier said the team should focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and aim for a podium finish in Los Angeles.