With international competitions canceled due to the pandemic, the new season of the Chinese Women's Volleyball Super League has, therefore, become an important tuneup competition for Tokyo.

The league started earlier this month behind closed doors in Jiangmen, Guangdong province, and Zhang, who plays for Jiangsu, is relishing the opportunity to return to competitive action.

"Everyone cherishes being on court, because many problems can only be found and solved in matches. We hope to do our best and get a good result," she said.

In 2018, Zhang was elected as a deputy to the 13th National People's Congress, China's national legislature. This year, she submitted a proposal on strengthening college sports, figuring, as an elite performer, it is her responsibility to give back to her sport.

"I may be on top of the so-called pyramid, but a lot of athletes at the bottom are often neglected. They face plenty of difficulties," she said. "I need to raise public awareness and help them with their efforts."

Xinhua