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"World-class apology": Nishida hit a girl with a serve in a show, and his reaction went viral

VolleyWeek

VolleyWeek

February 2, 2026 at 14:14

"World-class apology": Nishida hit a girl with a serve in a show, and his reaction went viral

Sometimes the most memorable moment in volleyball isn't the point, but what happens after it. Or in this case – after a serve that doesn't go where it's supposed to at all. Japanese star Yuji Nishida became the main character in an amusing and instructive video that is now circulating on social media after being published by Volleyball World on platform X.

Volleyball World presented the situation with a sense of humor, but also with a clear message that the standard of behavior is rising:

“Take some notes guys 📝, standards just went up all over the world 😂!
This is honestly a skill in itself 👀 (Yuji, do you practice this often? 🤣)”
- wrote Volleyball World.

All-Star Games serve challenge: the target was the bullseye, the ball found… a person

The situation unfolded during the All-Star Games, as part of a show competition clearly designed for entertainment and audience engagement. Nishida's task was clear – to hit specific targets/points with a serve, as is often done in such demonstrative formats.

However, on the last attempt, the ball missed the target. Instead, the serve headed towards a girl near the court and hit her, turning the “point exercise” into a moment the hall couldn't miss.

The real "golden hit" was Nishida's reaction

Instead of pretending nothing happened, or walking by with an awkward smile, Nishida reacted immediately, like great athletes do.

He turns around, expresses concern, apologizes, and shows with gestures and behavior that:

  • he understands what happened,

  • he takes it seriously,

  • and he insists on showing respect.

This is exactly what turns the video from a "funny situation" into a lesson in sportsmanship.

The Japanese context: respect as a habit, not a pose

It's important to note the context – this is Japan, where such gestures of respect are part of everyday culture and upbringing. In such moments, an apology is not just a reaction "for the camera," but a natural reflex. In other countries and leagues, similar situations often pass more quickly and matter-of-factly – without such pronounced ceremony. But it is precisely this human side of the game that makes the video so endearing and memorable: a star is a star, but respect for people and tradition remains paramount.

Why is this video instructive, even though it's funny?

In volleyball, there are dozens of statistics – points, blocks, aces, defensive saves. But there's something that isn't measured by numbers: attitude.

This moment shows three things that are important for every player – from youth academy to national team:

1) Control is part of class

Even in a show format and in front of full stands, the reaction must be adequate.

2) Respect is not an "extra", but a standard

It's not enough to be a star ", you must be able to take responsibility for your actions.

3) The audience remembers the human element

Fans love the show, but they love it even more when stars show character and good manners.

Volleyball World gave weight to the moment

Footage of the incident is already circulating online, but when the clip is published and highlighted by Volleyball World, the story gains an entirely different significance. Not just as a funny scene, but as an example of behavior that can be "copied" by everyone ", especially the young.

Conclusion: there are mistakes that teach more than points

Nishida can hit a target with a serve. He can decide a game with a single attack. But this time, he impressed mostly with something else ", with how he reacted when things didn't go according to plan.

And if there's a conclusion to be drawn from the whole story, it's simple: it's not just important how you play, but who you are when you make a mistake.