China Women’s Volleyball Announces Strongest Asian Championship Roster! Li Yingying and Wu Mengjie Lead Attack, Zhu Ting the Key Question

In 2026, China’s women’s volleyball team faces its biggest task: defeating Japan at the Asian Championship to secure an early ticket to the 2028 Olympics. Based on last year’s national team lineup and this year’s league performances, head coach Zhao Yong will field an elite squad blending experience and talent.

China Women’s Volleyball 2026 Asian Championship 14-Player Roster:

• Outside Hitters: Li Yingying, Wu Mengjie, Zhuang Yushan, Dong Yuhan
• Middle Blockers: Wang Yuanyuan, Yang Hanyu, Chen Houyu, Gao Yi
• Setters: Zhang Zixuan, Xu Xiaoting
• Opposites: Gong Xiangyu, Tang Xin
• Liberos: Wang Mengjie, Ni Feifan

At libero, Fujian’s Zheng Xinyi has performed well, but Wang Mengjie and Ni Feifan bring more international experience, sufficient for the tournament. At outside hitter, Shandong’s Li Chenxuan is a rising star, but given the importance of facing Japan, the team cannot rely solely on developing new talent. Dong Yuhan’s injury may limit her participation, with Li Chenxuan as backup.

Zhuang Yushan has shown excellent passing skills in Italy’s Serie A and is one of the few domestic outside hitters capable of handling high-level reception. Li Yingying, Zhu Ting, and Wu Mengjie are the primary outside hitters, responsible for front-row attacks. Li Yingying has resumed training in Tianjin and is expected to participate; Wu Mengjie’s league performance has been outstanding, with attacking power capable of challenging Japan.

Zhu Ting’s spike efficiency in Italy has been inconsistent, and her reception is not suited for a secondary outside hitter role. To maximize the attacking firepower of Li Yingying and Wu Mengjie, Zhuang Yushan is the best choice for reception support. Zhu Ting’s age, physical condition, and absence from national team training since the Paris cycle make her selection less likely.

At setter, Zhang Zixuan remains the starter and continues to be developed, with Xu Xiaoting as backup, bringing three years of chemistry with Gao Yi and Chen Houyu. For opposite, Gong Xiangyu will start, with Tang Xin providing additional attacking options.

Overall, China’s lineup balances strong front-row offense with solid back-row defense, capable of pressuring Japan’s defense and laying a solid foundation for Olympic qualification.