Chen Houyu (L, top) of China competes during the women's pool 3 match between China and the Czech Republic at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

NANJING, China, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Czech Republic defeated China for the first time in international competition with a 25-20, 25-20, 26-24 victory, while Belgium and Serbia also opened their Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Nanjing campaign with wins here on Wednesday.

Before Wednesday's encounter, China had won all six previous meetings against the Czech Republic.

China, entering a new Olympic cycle with a reshaped roster, fielded several young players in the opener. On her 17th birthday, middle blocker Guo Zhongnan made her senior national team debut by stepping into the starting lineup, scoring seven points.

Tang Xin led China with 18 points, while Wang Aoqian added 10 and Dong Yuhan contributed nine. Czech captain Michaela Mlejnkova scored 18 points, while Gabriela Brancuska added 17.

After dropping the first two sets, China fought back in the third. Dong and captain Gong Xiangyu delivered crucial points to help the hosts level the score at 23-23. After the Czech Republic earned a match point, Tang saved it to make it 24-24, but the Czech Republic took the next two points to complete the historic win.

"China made some changes in the third set, and we needed a little time to adapt. But the girls stayed strong mentally," said Giannis Athanasopoulos, head coach of the Czech Republic.

"I didn't know it was the first time we beat China, but I'm very happy about it. China is one of the giants of volleyball, and we are very happy to beat them," he added.

The significance of the victory was still evident after the interviews. While waiting for the team bus, Athanasopoulos could not hide his excitement. On seeing a member of the team's staff, the 47-year-old smiled and shouted: "Do you believe it? Do you believe it?"

Chinese captain Gong said the young Chinese squad needed to learn from the match.

"We had many young players on court today, and when there were ups and downs, sometimes they became a little anxious," she said.

"The ability to adjust during the match was a little slower compared with our opponents. After 20 points, it is more about mentality, your desire to win and whether you dare to take responsibility," the 29-year-old added. ■

Players of the Czech Republic line up before the women's pool 3 match between China and the Czech Republic at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Dong Yuhan (L) of China competes during the women's pool 3 match between China and the Czech Republic at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Michaela Mlejnkova (top) of the Czech Republic competes during the women's pool 3 match between China and the Czech Republic at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Players of the Czech Republic celebrate during the women's pool 3 match between China and the Czech Republic at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Players compete during the women's pool 3 match between China and the Czech Republic at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Players of China line up before the women's pool 3 match between China and the Czech Republic at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Zhao Yong (2nd R), head coach of China, gives instructions during the women's pool 3 match between China and the Czech Republic at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Helena Grozer (2nd L, front) of the Czech Republic celebrates with her teammate Monika Brancuska (2nd R) during the women's pool 3 match between China and the Czech Republic at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)