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Polish volleyball team welcomed home after stunning Nations League victory in China

05.08.2025 12:30
A large crowd gathered late Monday evening at Warsaw’s airport to greet the Polish men's volleyball team returning from Ningbo, China, where they secured their second-ever gold medal in the Volleyball Nations League on Sunday.
Polish volleyball players Jakub Kochanowski (front) and Jakub Popiwczak (back) after returning from Ningbo, China where they defeted Italy in the Nations League final.
Polish volleyball players Jakub Kochanowski (front) and Jakub Popiwczak (back) after returning from Ningbo, China where they defeted Italy in the Nations League final.Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański

Despite the late hour, passionate fans celebrated the team’s dominant 3-0 victory over Italy - the reigning world champions - in the tournament final.

Poland’s "Biało-Czerwoni" (White and Reds) delivered an impressive run throughout the competition. They defeated Japan in the quarterfinals, Brazil in the semifinals, and then decisively outplayed Italy in the championship match, never dropping a single set throughout the entire tournament under coach Nikola Grbić.

Nikola Grbić, coach of the Polish national volleyball team. Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański Nikola Grbić, coach of the Polish national volleyball team. Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański

Though visibly tired after a long-haul flight, the players warmly posed for photos with fans, who greeted them with cheers and applause.

Mateusz Poręba. Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański Mateusz Poręba. Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański

Polish Sports Minister praises national team's "incredible work" after Nations League gold

Jakub Rutnicki, Poland’s Minister of Sport and Tourism, expressed pride and gratitude to the team for their achievement.

“I want to thank you for the incredible work you’re doing. We’re all very proud of you - I believe the whole country is,” Rutnicki said, extending his thanks to the coaching staff and every player.

“Your dedication is an example for the next generation of athletes,” he added.

The team will have only a few days of rest before gearing up for the season’s highlight - the World Championships, scheduled from September 12 to 28 in the Philippines.

Wilfredo Leon. Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański Wilfredo Leon. Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański

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Source: IAR/X/@SPORT_GOV_PL