London's Dami Bakare plays volleyball for Team GB

Dami Bakare believes GB mens volleyball squad have grown in confidence

The men’s volleyball team are in high spirits despite losing their opening game 3-0 to Bulgaria.

Team GB lost 25-18, 25-20, 26-24 and have four games left to play in Pool B. After a day off they will return to Earls Court to play Australia on Tuesday.

2011 BOA Athlete of the Year Dami Bakare said his first Olympic experience has left his team brimming with confidence, despite their opening loss to the world number nine side.

He said: “I absolutely loved it. I had to contain myself and keep my head low. As soon as the game starts it is us on the ball.

“We talked in the locker room and said the GB team is going to make history today- the first ever GB Olympic volleyball team. We know we can compete, we want to prove it. We have growing confidence.

“We need to believe we can finish it. Your heart is pounding. We lost today and the crowd was great. Imagine how that would have been if we had won.

“But there is no time to laugh or cry. We have to get on with the next game against Australia.”