At the 2023 Asian Championships (venue: Urmia, Iran), the Japanese men's volleyball team faced Thailand in the group match and won 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-22).
After the match, setter Ryu Yamamoto shared his thoughts.
-How do you feel looking back on today's game?
Yamamoto: Today was my first match with the senior national team, and I heard that I would be playing with two substitutes. I was prepared, but I was still nervous.
-When were you asked to join the national team?
Yamamoto: The Universiade finished, and the call came the next day. Yes, that's how it went.
-Was there any difference in the feeling you got from practicing up to that point and actually playing in a match?
Yamamoto: The national team is required to play at a fast tempo, so the difference was huge since it came right after the Universiade, but with the help of advice from Mr. Blanc and the staff, and with special individual training, I'm doing my best.
-I believe you will still have opportunities to play in the future, so how do you want to demonstrate your skills?
Yamamoto: I'm still not able to step onto the court and show my true self, so I'd like to work on that by communicating more since I lack experience and being able to show my true self.
-What do you think it means to be yourself?
Yamamoto: I'm good at light tosses, so I'd like to show that and also show my side as an aggressive setter with my serve.
[Re-upload] Interview with Ryu Yamamoto after the match against Thailand in the Asian Championships①# Volleyball#Ryujin NIPPON pic.twitter.com/tllLjHvOCX
— TOSHIKI (@toshikit71) August 26, 2023
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