Two-time defending champions Serbia began their 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship campaign with a decisive victory over Ukraine in Bangkok, spearheaded by Tijana Bošković`s 18 points.
In their opening Pool H match in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, the reigning champions Serbia asserted their dominance with a commanding 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-17) sweep against Ukraine. Their consistent and powerful play set the tone for their title defense in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship.
Tijana Bošković, the Most Valuable Player in Serbia`s previous two World Championship triumphs, was instrumental, leading all scorers with an impressive 18 points, comprising 17 kills and one block. Outside hitter Aleksandra Uzelac also shined in the Serbian debut, contributing 15 points (12 kills, 3 aces).
“We`ve started the World Championship on the right note,” Bošković commented. “Opening games are always challenging, but we performed strongly, dominated, and secured a three-set win. Our current squad is younger than in previous editions, making every match crucial for our team`s development. While it`s an honor to wear the champion`s badge, we don`t perceive it as added pressure.”
For Ukraine, opposite Anna Artyshuk led their offense with 13 points (12 kills, 1 ace), followed by outside hitter Oleksandra Milenko who secured nine kills.
“Today, we demonstrated our capability against top-tier teams,” Milenko stated. “We played well, but unforced errors cost us. Serbia`s greater experience might have been a factor, but this was a valuable learning experience. Moving forward, we must improve our serving and blocking to challenge our upcoming opponents.”
Serbia`s comprehensive performance saw them outperform Ukraine in all key aspects of the game: dominating in kills (46-39), blocks (7-2), and aces (6-1). The defending champions also maintained superior discipline, committing fewer errors (15-16) throughout the match.
Japan Starts Strongly, Sweeping Cameroon
In another Pool H encounter, Asian powerhouse Japan, also eyeing a medal in Thailand, opened their tournament convincingly by sweeping Cameroon 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-19) in Bangkok.
Young opposite Miku Akimoto spearheaded Japan`s offense in their debut, with the 19-year-old hitter delivering an impressive 18 points (11 kills, 4 aces, 1 block). Team captain and outside hitter Mayu Ishikawa contributed 11 points (9 kills, 2 aces).
On the Cameroonian side, opposite Carine Blamdaî was the sole player to reach double digits, tallying 11 points, with eight kills, two blocks, and one ace.
Pool H action continues on Monday in the Thai capital. Japan will face Ukraine first, at 17:00 local time (10:00 GMT), with Serbia against Cameroon scheduled to play later, at 20:30 (13:30 GMT).
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick