PH to host 2014 AVC Men‘s Volleyball Championships

Another hosting of international sport event was being awarded to the Philippines but this time in the volleyball tournament.

The Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) took the country as in-charge of the 2014 Asian Men‘s Volleyball Club Championships scheduled on April 8 to 16 as original organizer Vietnam backed out.

Asian Men's Volleyball

Photo Credit: Rappler.com

The Philippine Volleyball Federation, headed by former Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Philip Ella Juico, grabbed this opportunity to bring our country back in the international competition.

“This tournament is aimed at putting the Philippines back in international volleyball activities. The last time a men’s team played in the (Southeast Asian Games) was in 1997 when I’m still the PSC Chairman. I’m happy that the men’s team will make its return in the international scene, we just want to also revive interest in men’s volleyball after the popularity of the women’s,” said Juico.

The Philippine team aimed to move forward in the Asian ranking which is at the 127th place, way too far from the current number one Iran and titlists South Korea, Kazakhstan, Qatar, and China.

PVC already conducted try-outs to fill the line-up which started just this Wednesday, January 15, and will continue on January 18 and 19. Among the hopefulls is TV actor and now an active volleyball player Richard Gomez.

“Currently we don’t have any ides on the level of competition in the club championships but it would certainly help raise the level of awareness and interest of
Filipinos in men’s volleyball, which is currently dominated by women’s leagues,” said AVC Development and Marketing Committee Chairman Ramon Suzara.

Suzara also confirmed that they will add two imports from Soutg Korea as the format allows as many foreign players on the roster but only two imports will be allowed to play inside the court.

Possible venues for the said competition are The Arena in San Juan City and Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Practice venues are the sports facilities of Meralco, Dela Salle Greenhills, Xavier School, Jose Rizal University, and Lourdes School.

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