PH all set to host Volleyball Nations League

The Volleyball Nations League returns to the Philippines this year and the country is poised for a better hosting of the tournament.

After holding the VNL at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City last year, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) will have the event at the state-of-the-art Mall of Asia Arena slated from July 4 to July 9.

World no. 1 Poland, no. 3 Brazil, no. 6 Italy, no. 8 Japan, no. 9 Slovenia, no. 12 The Netherlands, no. 15 Canada, and no. 25 China, members of the VNL Pool 6, are set to display top notch volleyball action for the Filipino fans.

Japan’s Ran Takahashi AFP FILE PHOTO

“We are lucky this year to have the top 4 teams in the world… I'd like to get your support, of course our Filipino fans,” said PNVF president Tats Suzara.

“I announced last year– we have a contract with the Volleyball World to host the Volleyball Nations League for the next two years, this is the second year,” he added.

Fans are set for a more 'involved experience' with every play and with every rally — all within an 'active engagement' campaign wherein the in-stadium experience is boosted with the fan reactions on every ace, spike and block.

VNL merchandise is also available at the venue.

Pasay Mayor Calixto-Rubiano shared that her city is honored to host this year's VNL.

“We are honored to be the host of this year's league. Not only because of the fact that we are considered the central hub, or the capital for the world-class meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions, but also because Volleyball is a sport that is really and dearly close to our Pasayenyos hearts.” Calixto-Rubiano said.

Suzara said the Chinese national team will arrive first in the country on June 25 followed by Japan, Netherlands, and Brazil, Poland, Slovenia, and Italy.