Hui Ruoqi is hopeful of being back with her China teammates very soon
Beijing, China, January 5, 2016 – China’s captain Hui Ruoqi has returned to action following 150 days off the court due to a heart problem that required surgery in August and forced her to miss the 2015 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup.
It was the second time that she had suffered heart problems, as she also required time off in 2013, but she has now returned to action for Jiangsu in the country's domestic league when they played Shanghai in the semi-finals.
It means she can now dedicate her time to helping China to success is the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games, which they qualified for at the World Cup and the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix.
“I think I should first find my form physically, then improve my technique, which will allow me to train normally and return to competition and if I can be selected for the national team again, I will do my best,” Hui said.
“We still have a good chance in the following matches, so we can't give up. It will take time for me to get back to top form, but I'm getting better every day.”
The 24-year-old became a national icon when she helped China to finish second at the Italy 2014 FIVB Volleyball World Championship, the first time since 1998 that they finished on the podium.
While she has been off the court Hui has continued to spend time with her club side as they chase domestic success.
“Although I didn't attend practice for a long time, my heart was always with the team,” she said. “This year our team is mainly focused on the young players, and considering that we've done very well.”