The home side edged a tight first set en-route to a 28-26, 25-18, 25-14 victory at a packed El Salitre Coliseum in Bogota.

Amanda Coneo led the way for the hosts with 22 points, as Colombia began their bid for a first Olympic appearance in positive fashion.

"It's a very special feeling because we won the first game, but in the first set we suffered a little because we wanted to study the rival a lot," said Coneo. 

"In the second and third sets we saw the Colombia that we are, and we have to keep working because it is going to be much harder. 

"We are already thinking of Peru and look forward to the support of all Colombians, like today. 

"Their support is essential for us." 

Colombia finished second at last year's South American Championship behind Brazil, who have already qualified for Tokyo 2020 through August's Intercontinental Qualifier.

They also won silver at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games.

The tournament in Bogota is a four-team round-robin, with the table-toppers booking their Olympic place.

Argentina, who won bronze at Lima 2019, also came through in straight sets in their first match as they beat Peru 26-24, 25-16, 25-18.

Lucia Fresco was their star player with 16 points.

"It was a very intense match," said Julieta Lazcano, Argentina's captain. 

"Peru started playing very well, attacking very well and defending a lot.

"In a super-difficult game we are happy for the victory."

In tomorrow's second games, Colombia will meet Peru with Argentina taking on Venezuela.