By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The Philippines has been awarded the hosting rights of the prestigious FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in 2025.
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and Volleyball World made the announcement Wednesday night, March 20, following a rigorous evaluation process among a competitive field of potential hosts that included Indonesia and Japan, to name a few.
“This prestigious event will not only inspire a new generation of athletes but will also help to encourage increased participation in sport at all levels in the country and wider region,” FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F° said in a statement.
“We are confident that the Philippines, supported by our innovative Volleyball Empowerment program, will host an extraordinary World Championship that will leave a lasting legacy and help to cultivate an even brighter future for our sport globally,” she added.
“It is with great excitement that we announce the Philippines as the host for the Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025,” said Finn Taylor, CEO of Volleyball World.
“This decision underscores our dedication to expanding volleyball’s global footprint and engaging with fans worldwide. The Philippines, with its proven track record of hosting major volleyball events and passionate fanbase, is well-positioned to deliver an exceptional championship that will showcase the best of the sport,” he added.
The tournament will be held from Sept. 12 to 28, 2025 with a total of 32 teams competing across the globe. The draw is scheduled in September this year.
The last edition was held in 2022 in Poland and Slovenia.
Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara welcomed the challenge of becoming the solo host of the event.
“I am ready to accept the responsibility and the privilege for the Philippines to host the Men’s World Championship in 2025,” Suzara said. “It shall definitely be a huge challenge, to mount the single-hosting model, to welcome 32 of the best teams in the world, the highest-ranking officials of the sport and most avid fans of the sport from every corner of the globe.”
“But if there is one thing that we, Filipinos, can do well, it is exactly this—to equally give each and every team the best conditions in order for them to fully focus on the competition and the championship trophy and to make them feel at home right in our own home,” he added.
