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Volleyball · Interesting Facts

Chapter 7: Geography & Culture

10 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts · updated 26 October 2026 · markdown

Volleyball in films, comics and countries: The Iron Ladies, The Miracle Season, Side Out, Attack No. 1, Haikyu!!, The Witches of the Orient, the Philippines, Thailand's women, Iran's men and volleyball on stamps.

7.71The Iron Ladies

A Thai comedy about a real team of gay and transgender players who won the national title.

Test 1The Iron LadiesTake a test

  1. The team was mocked at first and then won the national title.

    Source: Reuters (2000) and the South China Morning Post on The Iron Ladies; UCLA Center for Chinese Studies, 'Asian films with Olympic sports' · recall

  2. It rose from obscurity to the top of Thai volleyball.

    Source: Reuters (2000) and the South China Morning Post on The Iron Ladies; UCLA Center for Chinese Studies, 'Asian films with Olympic sports' · recall

  3. Their 1996 victory made national news in Thailand.

    Source: Reuters (2000) and the South China Morning Post on The Iron Ladies; UCLA Center for Chinese Studies, 'Asian films with Olympic sports' · recall

  4. It was made for only about US$270,000.

    Source: Reuters (2000) and the South China Morning Post on The Iron Ladies; UCLA Center for Chinese Studies, 'Asian films with Olympic sports' · recall

  5. It earned many times its budget in Thailand alone.

    Source: Reuters (2000) and the South China Morning Post on The Iron Ladies; UCLA Center for Chinese Studies, 'Asian films with Olympic sports' · recall

  6. It became a favourite at film festivals around the world.

    Source: Reuters (2000) and the South China Morning Post on The Iron Ladies; UCLA Center for Chinese Studies, 'Asian films with Olympic sports' · recall

  7. The first film's success brought the team back to the screen.

    Source: Reuters (2000) and the South China Morning Post on The Iron Ladies; UCLA Center for Chinese Studies, 'Asian films with Olympic sports' · recall

  8. 1996, 2000 and 2003.

    Source: Reuters (2000) and the South China Morning Post on The Iron Ladies; UCLA Center for Chinese Studies, 'Asian films with Olympic sports' · recall

  9. About US$270,000, about US$1.6 million and more than US$1.7 million.

    Source: Reuters (2000) and the South China Morning Post on The Iron Ladies; UCLA Center for Chinese Studies, 'Asian films with Olympic sports' · recall

  10. The film retold the Lampang team's 1996 triumph.

    Source: Reuters (2000) and the South China Morning Post on The Iron Ladies; UCLA Center for Chinese Studies, 'Asian films with Olympic sports' · applied

7.72The Miracle Season

A high school team that lost its star and won the state title, and the film made about it.

Test 1The Miracle SeasonTake a test

  1. The team played on after the death of its star player.

    Source: The Gazette (Cedar Rapids) and Dalhousie University News on The Miracle Season (2018) · recall

  2. She died in a moped accident in August 2011.

    Source: The Gazette (Cedar Rapids) and Dalhousie University News on The Miracle Season (2018) · recall

  3. It was part of back-to-back state titles.

    Source: The Gazette (Cedar Rapids) and Dalhousie University News on The Miracle Season (2018) · recall

  4. William Hurt played Caroline's father, Ernie.

    Source: The Gazette (Cedar Rapids) and Dalhousie University News on The Miracle Season (2018) · recall

  5. 'Line' was Caroline's nickname.

    Source: The Gazette (Cedar Rapids) and Dalhousie University News on The Miracle Season (2018) · recall

  6. The Iowa story was shot in British Columbia.

    Source: The Gazette (Cedar Rapids) and Dalhousie University News on The Miracle Season (2018) · recall

  7. He had also directed the surfing film Soul Surfer.

    Source: The Gazette (Cedar Rapids) and Dalhousie University News on The Miracle Season (2018) · recall

  8. 2011, 2011, summer 2016 and April 2018.

    Source: The Gazette (Cedar Rapids) and Dalhousie University News on The Miracle Season (2018) · recall

  9. Played by Danika Yarosh, Helen Hunt and William Hurt.

    Source: The Gazette (Cedar Rapids) and Dalhousie University News on The Miracle Season (2018) · recall

  10. The team played the 2011 season in memory of Caroline Found.

    Source: The Gazette (Cedar Rapids) and Dalhousie University News on The Miracle Season (2018) · applied

7.73Side Out

A 1990 beach volleyball film with the pros of the day in its cast.

Test 1Side OutTake a test

  1. It is set on the beaches of Southern California.

    Source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films, Side Out (1990); DoBlu review of the Blu-ray release · recall

  2. Peter Horton played the former star Zack Barnes.

    Source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films, Side Out (1990); DoBlu review of the Blu-ray release · recall

  3. The two end up playing together.

    Source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films, Side Out (1990); DoBlu review of the Blu-ray release · recall

  4. He played Rollo Vincent.

    Source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films, Side Out (1990); DoBlu review of the Blu-ray release · recall

  5. The pair were also real-life partners on the tour.

    Source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films, Side Out (1990); DoBlu review of the Blu-ray release · recall

  6. The Association of Volleyball Professionals supplied the players.

    Source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films, Side Out (1990); DoBlu review of the Blu-ray release · recall

  7. It is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance.

    Source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films, Side Out (1990); DoBlu review of the Blu-ray release · recall

  8. 1986, 1990, 2000 and 2018.

    Source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films, Side Out (1990); DoBlu review of the Blu-ray release · recall

  9. From process server to beach partner.

    Source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films, Side Out (1990); DoBlu review of the Blu-ray release · recall

  10. Side Out cast AVP stars such as Randy Stoklos and Sinjin Smith.

    Source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films, Side Out (1990); DoBlu review of the Blu-ray release · applied

7.74Attack No. 1

A girls' volleyball manga of 1968 that became the first televised women's sports anime.

Test 1Attack No. 1Take a test

  1. It ran in the girls' magazine Weekly Margaret.

    Source: Anime News Network on The Witches of the Orient (2021); Hyperallergic review; publisher records of Attack No. 1 (Weekly Margaret, 1968-70) · recall

  2. It ran there until 1970.

    Source: Anime News Network on The Witches of the Orient (2021); Hyperallergic review; publisher records of Attack No. 1 (Weekly Margaret, 1968-70) · recall

  3. It opened the door for many sports anime that followed.

    Source: Anime News Network on The Witches of the Orient (2021); Hyperallergic review; publisher records of Attack No. 1 (Weekly Margaret, 1968-70) · recall

  4. The 'Witches of the Orient' had just won gold in Tokyo.

    Source: Anime News Network on The Witches of the Orient (2021); Hyperallergic review; publisher records of Attack No. 1 (Weekly Margaret, 1968-70) · recall

  5. Together they fed a wave of interest in the women's game.

    Source: Anime News Network on The Witches of the Orient (2021); Hyperallergic review; publisher records of Attack No. 1 (Weekly Margaret, 1968-70) · recall

  6. The anime was sold abroad in the 1970s and 1980s.

    Source: Anime News Network on The Witches of the Orient (2021); Hyperallergic review; publisher records of Attack No. 1 (Weekly Margaret, 1968-70) · recall

  7. The anime followed from December 1969.

    Source: Anime News Network on The Witches of the Orient (2021); Hyperallergic review; publisher records of Attack No. 1 (Weekly Margaret, 1968-70) · recall

  8. 1964, 1968, 1969 and 2021.

    Source: Anime News Network on The Witches of the Orient (2021); Hyperallergic review; publisher records of Attack No. 1 (Weekly Margaret, 1968-70) · recall

  9. January 1968, December 1969 and November 1970.

    Source: Anime News Network on The Witches of the Orient (2021); Hyperallergic review; publisher records of Attack No. 1 (Weekly Margaret, 1968-70) · recall

  10. Chikako Urano's heroine helped make women's volleyball a craze.

    Source: Anime News Network on The Witches of the Orient (2021); Hyperallergic review; publisher records of Attack No. 1 (Weekly Margaret, 1968-70) · applied

7.75Haikyu!!

A boys' volleyball manga and anime, Karasuno High and a film that broke box office records.

Test 1Haikyu!!Take a test

  1. It ran in Weekly Shōnen Jump.

    Source: Animation Magazine and IMDb News on Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle box office (2024); the film's official synopsis · recall

  2. It is the older Japanese word for the game, written 排球.

    Source: Animation Magazine and IMDb News on Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle box office (2024); the film's official synopsis · recall

  3. Karasuno means 'crow' and its team is called the crows.

    Source: Animation Magazine and IMDb News on Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle box office (2024); the film's official synopsis · recall

  4. Rival schools come from Tokyo and other prefectures.

    Source: Animation Magazine and IMDb News on Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle box office (2024); the film's official synopsis · recall

  5. The 'Little Giant' is a former Karasuno ace.

    Source: Animation Magazine and IMDb News on Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle box office (2024); the film's official synopsis · recall

  6. It sold about 7 million tickets in Japan.

    Source: Animation Magazine and IMDb News on Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle box office (2024); the film's official synopsis · recall

  7. It became one of the highest-grossing anime films in Japan.

    Source: Animation Magazine and IMDb News on Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle box office (2024); the film's official synopsis · recall

  8. 1968, 1990, 2012 and 2024.

    Source: Animation Magazine and IMDb News on Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle box office (2024); the film's official synopsis · recall

  9. About 7 million tickets, 10 billion yen and about 11.6 billion yen.

    Source: Animation Magazine and IMDb News on Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle box office (2024); the film's official synopsis · recall

  10. Shoyo Hinata of Karasuno High is famous for his leap.

    Source: Animation Magazine and IMDb News on Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle box office (2024); the film's official synopsis · applied

7.76The Witches of the Orient

A 2021 documentary about a factory team, its training and its 258 straight wins.

Test 1The Witches of the OrientTake a test

  1. He had earlier made a film about John McEnroe.

    Source: Screen Daily, Slant Magazine and Hyperallergic reviews of The Witches of the Orient (Julien Faraut, 2021) · recall

  2. Its director works with the French sports institute INSEP.

    Source: Screen Daily, Slant Magazine and Hyperallergic reviews of The Witches of the Orient (Julien Faraut, 2021) · recall

  3. Much of it had hardly been seen before.

    Source: Screen Daily, Slant Magazine and Hyperallergic reviews of The Witches of the Orient (Julien Faraut, 2021) · recall

  4. The streak ran into the mid-1960s.

    Source: Screen Daily, Slant Magazine and Hyperallergic reviews of The Witches of the Orient (Julien Faraut, 2021) · recall

  5. The camera circles them at the table.

    Source: Screen Daily, Slant Magazine and Hyperallergic reviews of The Witches of the Orient (Julien Faraut, 2021) · recall

  6. Coach Daimatsu was known in Japan as 'the demon'.

    Source: Screen Daily, Slant Magazine and Hyperallergic reviews of The Witches of the Orient (Julien Faraut, 2021) · recall

  7. He had been the singer of Grandaddy.

    Source: Screen Daily, Slant Magazine and Hyperallergic reviews of The Witches of the Orient (Julien Faraut, 2021) · recall

  8. The 1950s, 1962, 1964 and 2021.

    Source: Screen Daily, Slant Magazine and Hyperallergic reviews of The Witches of the Orient (Julien Faraut, 2021) · recall

  9. 2018 and 2021, both by Julien Faraut, then the anime film of 2024.

    Source: Screen Daily, Slant Magazine and Hyperallergic reviews of The Witches of the Orient (Julien Faraut, 2021) · recall

  10. The Nichibo Kaizuka factory team became Japan's national team.

    Source: Screen Daily, Slant Magazine and Hyperallergic reviews of The Witches of the Orient (Julien Faraut, 2021) · applied

7.77Volleyball in the Philippines

A college league of 2004 that became a professional one, with crowds of more than 24,000.

Test 1volleyball in the PhilippinesTake a test

  1. It was named after its pizza-chain sponsor.

    Source: Premier Volleyball League history and 2023 season records; Sports Vision; Philippine Daily Inquirer on PVL attendance · recall

  2. Teams came from the UAAP, the NCAA and Cebu's schools league.

    Source: Premier Volleyball League history and 2023 season records; Sports Vision; Philippine Daily Inquirer on PVL attendance · recall

  3. It rebranded the league at the end of 2016.

    Source: Premier Volleyball League history and 2023 season records; Sports Vision; Philippine Daily Inquirer on PVL attendance · recall

  4. The league opened up step by step.

    Source: Premier Volleyball League history and 2023 season records; Sports Vision; Philippine Daily Inquirer on PVL attendance · recall

  5. Before that it allowed semi-professional clubs.

    Source: Premier Volleyball League history and 2023 season records; Sports Vision; Philippine Daily Inquirer on PVL attendance · recall

  6. The whole 2023 season drew 586,614 fans.

    Source: Premier Volleyball League history and 2023 season records; Sports Vision; Philippine Daily Inquirer on PVL attendance · recall

  7. The college division became the revived V-League in 2022.

    Source: Premier Volleyball League history and 2023 season records; Sports Vision; Philippine Daily Inquirer on PVL attendance · recall

  8. 2004, 2011, late 2016 and 2021.

    Source: Premier Volleyball League history and 2023 season records; Sports Vision; Philippine Daily Inquirer on PVL attendance · recall

  9. 24,459, 92,003 and 586,614.

    Source: Premier Volleyball League history and 2023 season records; Sports Vision; Philippine Daily Inquirer on PVL attendance · recall

  10. The PVL's big matches draw crowds of more than 20,000.

    Source: Premier Volleyball League history and 2023 season records; Sports Vision; Philippine Daily Inquirer on PVL attendance · applied

7.78Thailand's Women

A first win over China, Asian titles at home and stars who played in Spain.

Test 1Thailand's womenTake a test

  1. They beat China in the final.

    Source: Volleyball World, 'Thailand regain Asian Championship gold after ten years' (2023); AVC championship records · recall

  2. It was the first Thai win over China.

    Source: Volleyball World, 'Thailand regain Asian Championship gold after ten years' (2023); AVC championship records · recall

  3. They won on home soil.

    Source: Volleyball World, 'Thailand regain Asian Championship gold after ten years' (2023); AVC championship records · recall

  4. She was the team's captain and leader.

    Source: Volleyball World, 'Thailand regain Asian Championship gold after ten years' (2023); AVC championship records · recall

  5. They played for IBSA Club Voleibol.

    Source: Volleyball World, 'Thailand regain Asian Championship gold after ten years' (2023); AVC championship records · recall

  6. The club played in the Spanish Superliga.

    Source: Volleyball World, 'Thailand regain Asian Championship gold after ten years' (2023); AVC championship records · recall

  7. The final was played in Nakhon Ratchasima.

    Source: Volleyball World, 'Thailand regain Asian Championship gold after ten years' (2023); AVC championship records · recall

  8. 2009, 2013 and 2023.

    Source: Volleyball World, 'Thailand regain Asian Championship gold after ten years' (2023); AVC championship records · recall

  9. 2007-08, 2009 and 2013.

    Source: Volleyball World, 'Thailand regain Asian Championship gold after ten years' (2023); AVC championship records · recall

  10. Their previous Asian title had come in 2013, also at home.

    Source: Volleyball World, 'Thailand regain Asian Championship gold after ten years' (2023); AVC championship records · applied

7.79Iran's Men

A first Asian title at home in 2011, an Argentine coach and a packed hall in Tehran.

Test 1Iran's menTake a test

  1. They came from behind to beat China.

    Source: Olympic Council of Asia, 'Iran crowned Asian men's volleyball champions'; Gulf News (2013); Tehran Times; AVC records · recall

  2. They had trailed by a set.

    Source: Olympic Council of Asia, 'Iran crowned Asian men's volleyball champions'; Gulf News (2013); Tehran Times; AVC records · recall

  3. He had earlier built Italy's great team.

    Source: Olympic Council of Asia, 'Iran crowned Asian men's volleyball champions'; Gulf News (2013); Tehran Times; AVC records · recall

  4. Iranian fans living in the UAE filled the stands.

    Source: Olympic Council of Asia, 'Iran crowned Asian men's volleyball champions'; Gulf News (2013); Tehran Times; AVC records · recall

  5. The final was played in a packed hall.

    Source: Olympic Council of Asia, 'Iran crowned Asian men's volleyball champions'; Gulf News (2013); Tehran Times; AVC records · recall

  6. The Azadi indoor hall is part of a big sports complex.

    Source: Olympic Council of Asia, 'Iran crowned Asian men's volleyball champions'; Gulf News (2013); Tehran Times; AVC records · recall

  7. Iran had won the two editions before.

    Source: Olympic Council of Asia, 'Iran crowned Asian men's volleyball champions'; Gulf News (2013); Tehran Times; AVC records · recall

  8. 2011, 2013, 2019 and 2021.

    Source: Olympic Council of Asia, 'Iran crowned Asian men's volleyball champions'; Gulf News (2013); Tehran Times; AVC records · recall

  9. 2011, 2013 and 2023.

    Source: Olympic Council of Asia, 'Iran crowned Asian men's volleyball champions'; Gulf News (2013); Tehran Times; AVC records · recall

  10. Iran beat China in the 2011 Asian final.

    Source: Olympic Council of Asia, 'Iran crowned Asian men's volleyball champions'; Gulf News (2013); Tehran Times; AVC records · applied

7.80Volleyball on Stamps

A Soviet stamp of 1980, a Caribbean centenary issue, eight balls in the USA and a Russian sheet of nine.

Test 1volleyball on stampsTake a test

  1. It was part of the series for the Moscow Games.

    Source: Marka JSC (rusmarka.ru) on the 2023 Russian volleyball stamp; Colnect and StampWorld catalogues (USSR 1980, Dominican Republic 1995); USPS 'Have a Ball!' (2017) · recall

  2. The issue included 5-peso and 6-peso values.

    Source: Marka JSC (rusmarka.ru) on the 2023 Russian volleyball stamp; Colnect and StampWorld catalogues (USSR 1980, Dominican Republic 1995); USPS 'Have a Ball!' (2017) · recall

  3. The set pictured eight different balls.

    Source: Marka JSC (rusmarka.ru) on the 2023 Russian volleyball stamp; Colnect and StampWorld catalogues (USSR 1980, Dominican Republic 1995); USPS 'Have a Ball!' (2017) · recall

  4. Volleyball was one of the eight sports.

    Source: Marka JSC (rusmarka.ru) on the 2023 Russian volleyball stamp; Colnect and StampWorld catalogues (USSR 1980, Dominican Republic 1995); USPS 'Have a Ball!' (2017) · recall

  5. It belongs to Russia's Sports series.

    Source: Marka JSC (rusmarka.ru) on the 2023 Russian volleyball stamp; Colnect and StampWorld catalogues (USSR 1980, Dominican Republic 1995); USPS 'Have a Ball!' (2017) · recall

  6. They came in 10,000 sheets.

    Source: Marka JSC (rusmarka.ru) on the 2023 Russian volleyball stamp; Colnect and StampWorld catalogues (USSR 1980, Dominican Republic 1995); USPS 'Have a Ball!' (2017) · recall

  7. They are laid out three by three.

    Source: Marka JSC (rusmarka.ru) on the 2023 Russian volleyball stamp; Colnect and StampWorld catalogues (USSR 1980, Dominican Republic 1995); USPS 'Have a Ball!' (2017) · recall

  8. 1980, 1995, 2017 and 2023.

    Source: Marka JSC (rusmarka.ru) on the 2023 Russian volleyball stamp; Colnect and StampWorld catalogues (USSR 1980, Dominican Republic 1995); USPS 'Have a Ball!' (2017) · recall

  9. 1932, 1959 and 1991.

    Source: Marka JSC (rusmarka.ru) on the 2023 Russian volleyball stamp; Colnect and StampWorld catalogues (USSR 1980, Dominican Republic 1995); USPS 'Have a Ball!' (2017) · recall

  10. Russia's 30-rouble stamp belongs to its Sports series.

    Source: Marka JSC (rusmarka.ru) on the 2023 Russian volleyball stamp; Colnect and StampWorld catalogues (USSR 1980, Dominican Republic 1995); USPS 'Have a Ball!' (2017) · applied

Sources

Primary/official sources only, no Wikipedia citations: the International Volleyball Hall of Fame, the FIVB and Volleyball World, the CEV, the NCAA, the IOC, World ParaVolley, the federations', clubs' and leagues' own histories, Guinness World Records and named reputable media.

  • Reuters (2000) and the South China Morning Post on The Iron Ladies; UCLA Center for Chinese Studies, 'Asian films with Olympic sports'10
  • The Gazette (Cedar Rapids) and Dalhousie University News on The Miracle Season (2018)10
  • AFI Catalog of Feature Films, Side Out (1990); DoBlu review of the Blu-ray release10
  • Anime News Network on The Witches of the Orient (2021); Hyperallergic review; publisher records of Attack No. 1 (Weekly Margaret, 1968-70)10
  • Animation Magazine and IMDb News on Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle box office (2024); the film's official synopsis10
  • Screen Daily, Slant Magazine and Hyperallergic reviews of The Witches of the Orient (Julien Faraut, 2021)10
  • Premier Volleyball League history and 2023 season records; Sports Vision; Philippine Daily Inquirer on PVL attendance10
  • Volleyball World, 'Thailand regain Asian Championship gold after ten years' (2023); AVC championship records10
  • Olympic Council of Asia, 'Iran crowned Asian men's volleyball champions'; Gulf News (2013); Tehran Times; AVC records10
  • Marka JSC (rusmarka.ru) on the 2023 Russian volleyball stamp; Colnect and StampWorld catalogues (USSR 1980, Dominican Republic 1995); USPS 'Have a Ball!' (2017)10