Charms of 'light volleyball' bounce into the spotlight

What gas volleyball lacks in intensity it certainly makes up for in fun. The game is gaining traction in China, with a national tournament attracting former Olympians and overseas enthusiasts to its latest edition.

Developed in the 1980s as a leisurely alternative to competitive volleyball, the gas version of the sport, also known as balloon volleyball or light volleyball, has proved to have enduring appeal in China, as evidenced by the success of the 2023 Samaranch Cup Gas Volleyball Invitational.

The third edition of the event was staged in Xichang, Southwest China's Sichuan province, for a second time, with the tournament attracting nearly 150 teams from 26 Chinese provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, as well as one from Australia, to compete in the best-of-three format across three age groups from Dec 20-26.