Asian Schools Volleyball: Opening ceremony kicks off week-long competition

By Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports in Da Nang, Vietnam

Tien Son Sport Complex, August 22, Monday, 2011 — The Asian School Girls Volleyball Championship officially started today after the opening ceremony at the Tien Son Sport Complex.

Deputy Minister of Education and Training of Vietnam Associate Professor Dr. Tran Quang Quy said in his opening address, “Every year, the Asian School Sport Federation organises a variety of sport activities for high school students in Asia […] All of these sport activities enhances the school physical development and sports competition. Those efforts have also made a great contribution to the universal sports achievements of Asia.”

He added, “Through this Championship, we hope to provide opportunities for student athletes to come together, develop bonds of friendship, to increase the mutual understanding of diverse cultures and to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community.”

After a brief performance, the  crowd were then treated to some exciting volleyball action as hosts Vietnam took on China in the first Group A match of the competition. Cheered on by a large home crowd, the hosts managed to give the Asian powerhouse a hard fight. However, China eventually prevailed to win 3-0.

Singapore will face Iran later today at 9pm local time (10pm Singapore time).

Tournament fixtures (Singapore matches)
Day 1 Monday (22/8)
Preliminaries Pool B
9pm – Singapore vs Iran

Day 2 Tuesday (23/8)
Preliminaries Pool B
3.30pm – Singapore vs Macau

Day 3 Wednesday (24/8)
Preliminaries Pool B
3.30pm – Singapore vs Hong Kong

Day 4 Thursday (25/8)
Semi-finals
2pm – Group A winner vs Group B runner-up
3.30pm – Group B winner vs Group A runner-up

Day 5 Friday (26/8)
Final
2.30pm – Semi-final Winner 1 vs Semi-final Winner 2

Note: All timings reflected are in Vietnam local time. Vietnam is ONE hour BEHIND Singapore.
There will be no 3rd/4th placing playoff.