Organised by the Volleyball Association of Hong Kong, China (“VBAHK”) and presented by China Life Insurance (Overseas) Company Limited (“China Life (Overseas)”), the “Volleyball Nations League Hong Kong 2026 presented by China Life (Overseas)” (“VNLHK2026”) kicked off today (8 July) at Kai Tak Arena for a five-day tournament. As the last leg before the Finals, six international powerhouses, including host nation China, world No. 1 Italy, Dominican Republic, Canada, Belgium, and Ukraine, will be striving to secure their places in the Finals.
Ms. LAW Shuk Pui, Rosanna, JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr. LIN Zhan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Dr. the Hon. Timothy FOK, GBM, GBS, JP, President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China; Mr. LIU Yuejin, President of China Life (Overseas); and Mr. NG Sau-kei Wilfred, GBS, JP, President of the VBAHK, served as officiating guests to kick off the Hong Kong leg. Ms. LAW Shuk Pui, Rosanna, JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, then officiated the coin toss ceremony for the match between China and Canada.
Belgium Edges Dominican Republic in Five-Set Opener
The tournament kicked off with Belgium, vying for a Finals spot, took on Dominican Republic, who were fighting to retain their spot in the league. Starting the match strong, Belgium clinched the first set 25-19 with middle blocker Britt FRANSEN pulled off two crucial blocks. The second set saw the two teams tie 12 times before a flurry of late errors by Dominican Republic allowed Belgium to take the set 25-20. Down by two sets, Dominican Republic mounted a fierce comeback. Outside hitter Yonkaira Paola Peña ISABEL and opposite Gaila GONZALEZ unleashed their firepower to take the next two sets 25-14 and 26-24, levelling the match at 2-2. In the final set, Belgium fell behind early but made a timely tactical substitution. Substitute setter Lara NAGELS served strongly to disrupt the opponent’s reception, leading a 5-0 run to reclaim the lead. Belgium took the final set 15-12, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory to kick off their Hong Kong leg. Opposite Pauline MARTIN scored a match-high 24 points to lead Belgium to victory.
Defending Champions Italy Overpower Ukraine 3-1
Following the opening match, defending champions Italy faced VNL newcomers Ukraine. Italy dominated the first set 25-15. Ukraine fought back in the second set, battling to 20-20; despite Italy bringing in opposite Paola Ogechi EGONU and saving two set points, Ukraine held their nerve to level the match 25-23. Italy then pulled away rapidly in the third set to build a 15-point cushion, cruising to a 25-10 win to extend their lead. The fourth set stayed tight, with Ukraine leading 20-17. However, Italy showed their championship class, unleashing a powerful 8-1 run in the closing moments to stage a comeback, securing the set 25-21 and sealing a 3-1 match victory. Opposite Ekaterina ANTROPOVA was the standout performer with a match-high 25 points.
Canada Outlast China in Five-Set Thriller
The final match saw China take on Canada. China took the first set 25-19, with middle blocker WANG Yuanyuan delivering two key blocks late in the set. Canada hit back in the second, with outside hitter Alexa Gray and opposite Kiera Van Ryk combining for 16 points to take it 25-17. The third set was tightly contested, with the two sides locked at 22-22. At that critical moment, Canada’s outside hitter Alexa GRAY caught fire, scoring three consecutive points to give her team a 2-1 set lead. China shook off the third-set loss and showed composure in the fourth, capitalising on key opportunities late to win 25-23 and force a deciding set. The final set was closely fought, but Canada gradually pulled away in the middle and maintained their composure on both ends of the court to take it 15-11, securing a 3-2 victory over China. Canada’s attack was in full force, with three players scoring 20+ points – opposite Kiera VAN RYK, outside hitters Alexa GRAY and Abagayle GUEZEN – combining for an imposing 73 points to cap off a thrilling opening day.
Day 2 fixtures (9 July) feature 17:00 Belgium versus Canada, followed by the 20:30 matchup between China and Ukraine.
Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets for the tournament are now available via HK Ticketing. Tickets are divided into two categories: morning sessions (starting at 11:00 or 11:30) are priced at HK$200 and HK$400; for evening sessions, each ticket admits fans to two matches on the same night (17:00 & 20:30 on 8 to 10 July; 16:30 & 20:00 on 11 to 12 July), with prices ranging from HK$380 to HK$1,800. For more details, please visit the official page at https://www.instagram.com/volleyballnationsleaguehk/.
Match Schedule & Ticket Price of “Volleyball Nations League Hong Kong 2026 presented by China Life (Overseas)”
| Date | Time | Match | Ticket Price | ||
| 8 July (Wed) | 11:30 | Belgium | vs | Dominican Republic | $400 / $200 |
| 17:00 | Ukraine | vs | Italy | $1800 / $1200 / $980 / $680 / $380 | |
| 20:30 | China | vs | Canada | ||
| 9 July (Thu) | 17:00 | Belgium | vs | Canada | $1800 / $1200 / $980 / $680 / $380 |
| 20:30 | China | vs | Ukraine | ||
| 10 July (Fri) | 17:00 | Ukraine | vs | Dominican Republic | $1800 / $1200 / $980 / $680 / $380 |
| 20:30 | Belgium | vs | Italy | ||
| 11 July (Sat) | 16:30 | Canada | vs | Italy | $1800 / $980 / $680 / $380 |
| 20:00 | China | vs | Dominican Republic | ||
| 12 July (Sun) | 11:00 | Belgium | vs | Ukraine | $400 / $200 |
| 16:30 | Canada | vs | Dominican Republic | $1800 / $980 / $680 / $380 | |
| 20:00 | China | vs | Italy | ||
