The 15th National Games officially open on Nov 9, but several mass-participation events began months earlier — including air volleyball, which delivered the first gold of Zhejiang province.

On Aug 25, Zhejiang claimed the title in the women's veterans group of the air volleyball finals in Taishan, Guangdong, defeating Shandong 2-0. The victory secured the first gold medal for Zhejiang in this year's National Games mass events, and the delegation's first gold overall.

Air volleyball — a recreational, low-impact sport played with a lightweight ball — combines fitness, leisure, and social activity. Its rules and scoring closely mirror those of competitive volleyball. Originating in China, the sport was formalized in 1984 when retirees began playing matches with an air-filled ball under simplified six-player rules and named it "air volleyball."

The sport has long enjoyed a grassroots following in Zhejiang, and the latest win has sparked even greater enthusiasm across the province. More residents are joining local clubs and weekend leagues, adding momentum to what many describe as a growing air volleyball fever.