Mayu Ishikawa, in her debut as captain of the Japan national team at the FIVB Women`s Volleyball World Championship, displayed a composed and impactful performance in Bangkok on Saturday.
The outside hitter, who first participated in the World Championship in 2022 in the Netherlands, embraced her leadership role by scoring 11 points in Japan`s dominant 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-17) victory over Cameroon in Pool H. Her contribution included two crucial blocks, highlighting her balanced influence both in offense and in guiding the team on the court.
“As team captain, I strive to approach my role with the utmost responsibility and lead the squad, while also avoiding excessive self-pressure and focusing on bringing all the players together,” Ishikawa stated.
Ishikawa has been a cornerstone of the senior national team since her debut at the FIVB Volleyball World Cup in 2019. In that same year, she was a key member of the Japanese team that secured the Asian Women`s Volleyball Championship title.
This World Championship marks her inaugural appearance as captain, following her initial leadership experience earlier this year during the Volleyball Nations League. This milestone underscores her evolution from a promising talent in 2019 to the pivotal figure now tasked with navigating Japan through the tournament in Bangkok.
Japan`s last triumph at the Women`s World Championship was in 1974, making Ishikawa`s captaincy a vital part of the ongoing pursuit to restore the nation to its elite position in global volleyball.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood