Brazilian Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team Qualifies for Los Angeles 2028 After Historic Win Over Canada

In a landmark victory for Brazilian adaptive sports, the Brazilian women’s sitting volleyball team secured early qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games after a thrilling 3–1 win over Canada at the World Sitting Volleyball Qualification Tournament held in Cairo, Egypt.

The win not only guarantees Brazil a spot in the next Paralympics but also marks a major step forward in the growth and global competitiveness of the women’s team, which has historically been overshadowed by its male counterpart.

A Breakthrough Performance

Led by captain Jani Freitas, Brazil delivered a consistent and high-energy performance against a tough Canadian side. After dropping the first set 22–25, the team rebounded with scores of 25–19, 25–21, and 25–18 to close out the match in commanding fashion.

Key contributors included:

• Adriana Sousa – Dominated the net with 12 blocks and 9 kills.
• Letícia Oliveira – Controlled the pace from the backline, with a 94% serve-receive success rate.
• Carla Gomes – Named MVP of the match with 17 total points and unmatched court coverage.

Coach Fernando Guimarães praised the team’s mental strength and discipline:

“We’ve always had the talent. What changed today was our belief that we belong among the world’s best. The girls showed heart, strategy, and unity.”

From Underdogs to Contenders

This result represents a turning point for Brazil’s women’s sitting volleyball program. After years of building foundational support, training infrastructure, and regional scouting, the team is now reaping the rewards of consistent investment by the Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB).

Just five years ago, the women’s team ranked outside the world’s top ten. Now, they are not only top-five but seen as legitimate medal contenders for 2028.

The CPB’s focus on female-led coaching staff, equitable resource distribution, and international exposure has transformed the team’s dynamics. Training camps have been held in Europe and Asia, allowing Brazilian players to compete against top-tier global opponents throughout the last two seasons.

Empowering Women Through Sport

Beyond the court, the team’s success is being celebrated as a victory for inclusion and representation. Many of the players come from underserved regions in Brazil and credit sport with transforming their lives.

In a post-match interview, Carla Gomes said:

“We’ve faced prejudice, financial struggle, and limited visibility. But today we showed the world what Brazilian women are capable of — in sport and in life.”

Several players are also active in community outreach programs, visiting schools and rehabilitation centers to promote adaptive sports and encourage participation among women and girls with disabilities.

The Road Ahead to LA 2028

While qualification is now secured, the team is already looking toward its next challenge: preparing to medal at the Los Angeles Games.

Next steps include:

• Strengthening physical conditioning with the support of CPB’s sports science division.
• Expanding the squad with youth talent from regional leagues.
• Competing in the World Cup and Continental Championships to gain further experience.

The CPB has also confirmed the launch of a new Women in Paralympic Leadership program, aimed at developing future coaches, referees, and sports administrators — with current team members among the first participants.

Conclusion: A Victory Far Beyond the Scoreboard

The Brazilian women’s sitting volleyball team’s qualification for Los Angeles 2028 is more than a sporting triumph — it’s a reflection of persistence, unity, and the unstoppable power of women in sport.

With their eyes on the podium and a nation behind them, these athletes have become symbols of hope, resilience, and the future of Brazilian Paralympic excellence.