The Japanese women’s volleyball team captured the nation’s hearts on the way to winning gold at the Olympic Games Tokyo 1964. Their triumphant run – including a final win over the heavily favoured Soviet Union which was watched by more Japanese television viewers than any other event in the Games – led to widespread media coverage of volleyball and is credited with greatly boosting the popularity of the sport for women of all ages in Japan.

To discover when volleyball appeared on the programme of the Olympic Games and how the different events evolved from 1964 to our days

To discover when volleyball appeared on the programme of the Olympic Games and how the different events evolved from 1964 to our days

To discover when beach volleyball appeared on the programme of the Olympic Games and how the different events evolved from 1996 to our days.

To discover when beach volleyball appeared on the programme of the Olympic Games and how the different events evolved from 1996 to our days.

London 2012 - Russia staged one of the most staggering comebacks in the history of Olympic Volleyball when they took on the highly-fancied Brazil at Earl's Court. Watch highlights from the incredible final now.

London 2012 - Brazil retained their Olympic women's Volleyball title courtesy of a simply brilliant final performance against the USA at Earls Court. Watch highlights now.

Americans Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers receive the men's beach volleyball gold medal, becoming Olympic champions for the first time. Dalhausser and Rogers went on to win in two sets against the Brazilian pair, Fabio Luiz and Marcio Aurajo who settle for silver. Ricardo Santos and Emmanuel Rego of Brazil, take the bronze medal home. Beach Volleyball Men's Medal Ceremony - Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics - USA, BRA, BRA