The Japanese Volleyball Association officially announced the appointment of Ferhat Akbaş as the head coach of the women's national team, volleyball.it reported. His goal is to lead the team to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028.
The Turkish specialist becomes the first foreign coach in the history of "Hinotori Nippon". He has extensive experience in club volleyball in Turkey, Poland, and Romania, and between 2017 and 2019 he worked as part of the Japanese national team staff.
"I am proud to be part of the tradition of Japanese volleyball. I understand the challenge, but I have full confidence in the players and staff. Together we will reach new heights," Akbaş said.
The President of the Japanese Volleyball Association, Shunichi Kawai, also expressed confidence in the choice: "His international experience and leadership skills will be invaluable. He knows our system and players, and the goal is for Japan to win an Olympic medal again – something that hasn't happened since 2012."