Alas Women drawn with China, Kazakhstan in Asian Games pool

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Alas Pilipinas Women’s National Volleyball Team will immediately face tough assignments once the 20th Asian Games in Aichi–Nagoya, Japan, kick off on Sept. 19, 2026.

Alas will face a challenging hurdle after being drawn with World No. 7 China and World No. 39 Kazakhstan in Group B of the women’s volleyball tournament.

China is currently competing in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League and will have the chance to enter the gold medal match after scoring a major upset over the USA in the quarterfinals, 15–25, 25–23, 25–20, 17–25, 15–13.

With the win, China advanced to the VNL semifinals for the first time since 2023 and will look to sustain its momentum against Turkey.

On the other hand, Kazakhstan is coming off a convincing AVC Women’s Cup campaign after finishing fourth. During the elimination phase, the national team recorded one of its biggest wins by defeating defending champion Vietnam, 3–2.

Despite the daunting challenge, Alas is ready to shock the world and has already announced that it will bring back the core team that every Filipino volleyball fan has been waiting for.

Following the veteran players’ mass withdrawal during the recently concluded AVC Women’s Cup due to administrative turmoil involving the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, Alas’ core group, led by Jia Morado-De Guzman and Bella Belen, is confirmed to banner the national team.

To make this happen, the Philippine Olympic Committee had to step up, committing to supervise and manage the national volleyball teams for all upcoming major international tournaments.

“The Philippine Olympic Committee remains steadfast in its mandate to safeguard the welfare of our athletes and ensure the unhindered development of Philippine sports,” the POC wrote in a statement.

Japanese tactician Taka Minowa, who previously handled the under-18 national team in 2024, will call the shots for Alas in the 20th Asian Games.

“No hurdle will compromise our commitment to flag and country,” the POC wrote.

“The mission to elevate Philippine volleyball on the world stage continues. Mabuhay ang Atletang Pilipino. Laban, Pilipinas!”