The road to the Rio 2016 Olympics is now over, and 12 teams per gender will descend on the city for what is expected to be one of the flagship events of the Games.
Volleyball was first introduced to the Olympic movement at Tokyo 1964, and in 13 editions the sport has continually progressed, with the technical and physical level on the court matched by the technological improvements off it.
The Rio 2016 tournament will once again include 12 teams per gender split across two pools. The top four countries from each pool qualify for the quarterfinals, with the competition continuing from that point in a knockout format.
As hosts, Brazil were automatically awarded a men’s and women’s spot in the tournament. Two teams per gender have qualified via the FIVB Volleyball Men’s and Women’s World Cup 2015 with four more coming from the CAVB, CEV, CSV and NORCECA Continental Olympic Qualifiers. The top-ranked Asian team from the World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Japan as well as the three best ranked teams from the same competition joined them, with the final berth decided at another World Olympic Qualification Tournament which took place in Puerto Rico for the women and Mexico for the men.
Rio is no stranger to world class volleyball, with the iconic Maracanazinho - which will host the volleyball tournament - most recently welcoming the FIVB Volleyball World League Finals in 2015. The home fans are just as famous and will no doubt create a memorable and lively atmosphere in the stands.