Chinese men's volleyball team left on May 20 for Tokyo to compete in the volleyball Olympic qualifying tournament.

Teams from China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Algeria, Canada, France and Iran are to vie for two Olympic berths available at the tournament slated for May 22-30.

Winner of the tournament and the best Asian team will be able to head for the Athens Games.

The qualifying tournament adopts a single round-robin system, with a total of 28 matches to be played.

Chinese head coach Di Anhe exuded with confidence of taking theteam to Athens. "It's not an easy task, but I'm confident that China will qualify for the Olympics for the first time in 20 years," said Di.

Chinese men's volleyball team last played in the Olympic Games in 1984.

Di said China would strive to qualify as the best Asian team. "This goal is more realistic for China because France is apparently the strongest team at the qualifying tournament," said Di.

"Japan and South Korea are our main rivals," he added.

Source: Xinhua