Japan’s Ran Takahashi during a VNL 2024 game in Manila. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
VNL 2024 SCHEDULE: Week 3 Manila, Philippines leg
MANILA, Philippines — Japan men’s national volleyball team has ruled out Ran Takahashi for the remainder of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Manila leg.
The Japan Volleyball Association (JVA) on Friday announced that Takahashi will be replaced by Shoma Tomita in the lineup hours before Japan’s game against the Netherlands.
“We are pleased to announce that there have been changes to the players competing on the Japanese men’s national team for the Philippines tournament in the third week of the Volleyball Nations League 2024,” the federation wrote. “Tomita will be available to play from the match against the Netherlands.”
READ: VNL 2024: Ran Takahashi, Japan seek improvement after loss to Canada
The JVA, though, didn’t disclose the reason but a Filipino fan wasreported to have seen Takahashi at the airport.
Takahashi delivered 13 points in their 25-21, 20-25, 25-15, 20-25, 15-10, dropping to a 6-3 record still in sixth place.
The Japanese star has been one of the crowd favorites in Japan’s third straight year to play in Manila.
Takahashi suffered from injuries in the previous VNL Manila leg last year where he also missed their games.
Japan, which holds a 6-3 record, seeks to solidify its Final Eight chances against the Netherlands.
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