In a major confidence boost ahead of the Paralympic Games, the Brazilian women’s sitting volleyball team won the international friendly series against Japan this week, securing three straight victories in matches held in São Paulo.
The friendly series served as an important preparation event for both nations, as they gear up for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and Brazil’s commanding performance signals that the team is ready to challenge the world’s best.
Dominating the Court with Strategy and Skill
Over three days of matches at the Paralympic Training Center, Brazil showcased a combination of tactical discipline, strong defense, and dynamic attacking plays. The match results were:
- Match 1: Brazil 3–1 Japan (25–17, 25–21, 22–25, 25–19)
- Match 2: Brazil 3–0 Japan (25–16, 25–20, 25–18)
- Match 3: Brazil 3–1 Japan (23–25, 25–19, 25–15, 25–20)
Key players included:
- Adriana Rodrigues: Top scorer across the series with her consistent spiking.
- Renata Silva: Delivered crucial blocks and provided strong leadership on the court.
- Fernanda Gomes: Dominated service games, creating problems for the Japanese defense.
Coach Fernando Guimarães emphasized the importance of these matches:
“Winning is great, but seeing our team execute strategies we have worked so hard on is even better. We’re not just playing — we’re building our best version for Paris.”
Building Toward a Paralympic Breakthrough
Brazil’s women’s sitting volleyball team has steadily climbed the international rankings over the past five years, with a 5th place finish at Tokyo 2020 and podium finishes at various World Series events.
Their recent success is credited to:
- Expanded training camps featuring mental coaching and video analysis
- Strengthened grassroots programs in four Brazilian regions to discover new talent
- Investment in sports science, including performance analytics and injury prevention technologies
The team is now aiming not just to participate in Paris — but to fight for a medal.
A Symbol of Inclusion and Empowerment
The visibility of the Brazilian women’s sitting volleyball team has inspired increased participation by women with disabilities in organized sport across Brazil. The team members actively engage in:
- School visits promoting Paralympic values
- Leadership talks for girls’ empowerment programs
- Social media campaigns under the hashtag #ElasJogam (“They Play”)
Captain Adriana Rodrigues stated:
“When young girls see us play, they see possibility. They see strength. That’s worth every hour we spend training.”
Next Steps on the Road to Paris
Following the series win against Japan, Brazil will now:
- Host an international training camp with teams from Italy and the USA in July
- Compete at the World ParaVolley Super 6 tournament
- Finalize the Paris 2024 roster by the end of the year
The final months will focus heavily on match sharpness, set-piece perfection, and psychological preparation for high-pressure matches.
Conclusion: Eyes on the Prize
Brazil’s sweep of Japan in São Paulo is more than a set of wins — it’s a statement that this team has evolved into a serious Paralympic medal contender.