By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially opened the FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025 on Friday night, taking center court of the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City for the ceremonial toss that signaled the start of the 32-nation tournament.
The opening ceremony marked the first time the Philippines is hosting the tournament, which was last staged in Asia by Japan in 1998 and 2006.
The Philippines is also just the second Asian country to host the World Championship aside from Japan.
The event runs until Sept. 28 and will also hold matches at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
FIVB president Fabio Azevedo said the event ushers in a “great new era and the dawn of a truly exciting legacy,” noting that volleyball has long been “an underdog sport in the Philippines.”
“We are sure that the best of volleyball in the world is here. It’s the first time that the Men’s World Championship is in Southeast Asia and the first time of the World Championship with 32 teams, 32 nations fighting for one glory or one trophy as of today,” he said.
The FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) is the governing body of volleyball worldwide.
This year marks the first edition of the tournament under a new format and schedule.
The FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship was traditionally held every four years.
Starting with this edition, the tournament will transition to a new schedule, shifting to a biennial format to provide more opportunities for the 32 qualified teams.
Philippine Sports Commission Chair Patrick Gregorio, Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon Suzara and Senator Pia Cayetano, who was a former national volleyball player, also joined the the kick-off day. (PNA)
