THE Asian Volleyball Confederation has given the Philippines the green light to send a women’s team to the Asian qualifiers for the world championships.
Philippine Olympic Committee first vice president Joey Romasanta confirmed that they have been given the authority by the AVC to form a national squad that will see action in the 2014 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship qualifiers Asian Southeastern Zone from June 14 to 16 in Vietnam.
Romasanta said AVC president Saleh Bin Nasser made the confirmation through a letter addressed to the POC, noting that the Philippines may even be sanctioned if it does not join the tournament.
“Tumanggap tayo ng official communication from AVC at kinukumpirma at pinakikiusapan nila ang POC na magporma at maghanda ng Philippine women’s volleyball team na magiging official and only entry sa Vietnam,” Romasanta said in a radio interview on DZSR.
Romasanta said the AVC is well aware of the latest developments in Philippine volleyball, including sell-out crowds in games at big venues such as the Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
“Nababalitaan nila na ang women’s volleyball ay napaka-popular sa Pilipinas pero nagtaka sila kung bakit hindi tayo magpapadala ng atleta,” said Romasanta.
To help the Philippines send a team, Romasanta said the AVC will even provide $7,000 to fund the team. The Philippine Sports Commission has also committed to shoulder the team’s travel expenses.
The Bomberinas, coached by Sammy Acaylar, are currently seeing action in the Philippine National Games and won their first game handily against the University of the Philippines on Monday.
The team was formed after AVC official Ramon “Tats” Suzara, and PVF officials Vangie De Jesus, and Dr. Ian Laurel held tryouts. But PVF president Gener Dungo suspended De Jesus and Laurel for organizing tryouts without the approval of the PVF board.
Despite the suspension of the officials, practices continued for the players coming from different teams in the UAAP, NCAA, and Shakey’s V-League.
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