By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Eight of the world’s best male volleyball teams bring their act on Philippine soil when the country hosts the third week of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on July 4 to 9 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Last year’s world champion Italy headlines the cast that include 2022 world championship runner-up Poland, 2016 Rio Olympics gold medalist Brazil, world No.8 Japan, No. 9 Slovenia, No. 12 Netherlands, No. 15 Canada and No. 25 China.
This marks the second time that the country is hosting the VNL. Last year, the country hosted both the men’s and women’s divisions at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Philippine National Volleyball Federation Inc. (PNVF) President Tats Suzara hopes that bringing world-class volleyball action will continue to inspire not only members of the national team, but also the fans, as well.
“This year, it’s going to be more intense and energetic. We hope fans and players will continue to support this,” Suzara said during the press briefing at the Diamond Hotel on Monday, June 19.
Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano also welcomed the opportunity to host the prestigious event.
“It is a great opportunity for us to be able to experience the volleyball league right in our home. Our thrust to become the first ever EcoCity comes with the vision of having athletics and sports as key activities to ensure physical health and wellbeing of our people,” said Calixto-Rubiano.
Suzara and Calixto-Rubiano were accompanied by Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann; Arnel Gonzales, GM, SVP & Business Unite Head of SM MOA Arena; Hubert Guevara, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary; and George Reynoso, Rooms Division Manager of Diamond Hotel.
Brazil and Italy raise the curtain on July 4 at 3 p.m., followed by the 7 p.m. tussle between Japan and China.
