ONE year from now, the Philippines will make history as the sole host of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship for the very first time.
Making the global conclave even more historic is that it’ll be the biggest edition of the tournament yet with a record 32-team field, including Alas Pilipinas, vying for the right to be hailed as the best in the world.
READ: Alas Men draw Egypt, Tunisia, Iran in FIVB World Championship
For Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara, newly-elected chief of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and incumbent Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president, the impact of this World Championship hosting goes beyond the 16 days of the tournament proper.
His long-term vision for Philippine volleyball, and sports altogether, is to ensure that the global meet will only be the beginning for a productive future not just in the pro ranks and world stage but more importantly from the grassroots up.
Such a vision is what Suzara put front and center in his talks with the sport’s leaders during the drawing of lots for next year’s tournament, where the Philippines landed in Pool A with Iran, Egypt and Tunisia.
“Far after the champions have been awarded, the lights have been turned off, and the sports hall has been closed, it will be historic, memorable, and even meaningful,” Suzara said.
“The legacy of the World Championships will carry on in the form of programs to energize national teams of lower category federations, programs to empower the youth as they start dreaming of making it in the sport, and programs to strengthen communities through sports education campaigns and entrepreneurial initiatives.”
For the Philippines, for Asia
Hosting yet another world sporting event of such magnitude is a victory for Philippine sports - and for the region altogether.
It will be the first time ever that either, let alone both, men’s and women’s editions of the World Championships will be staged in Southeast Asian nations.
“This is for the Filipino fans. This is for Asia. You know, the Women’s World Championship is in Thailand and then men’s, tayo. There’s also the World Beach Championship in Australia, so it’s all Asia in 2025. It’s a big year for Asia, (with) me also as president of AVC,” said Suzara.
“We’d like to work hard on this that Asia can do it for a world championship next year. Let’s work hard and I’m very proud for the Filipinos to host this first-ever world championship for the first time.
“It’s what the Philippines can give and the experience that we will get in this World Championship that makes this (hosting) obviously historic.”
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