By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday channelled his inner athleticism as he officially opened the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship through a ceremonial serve in Pasay City.
The President graced the opening ceremony of the international volleyball competition’s 21st edition as the guest of honor, marking the first time the Philippines is hosting the tournament, which was last staged in Asia by Japan in 1998 and 2006.
“We proudly welcome the world to the Philippines for the 21st 𝘍é𝘥é𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘦 𝘝𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭 [FIVB] Volleyball Men’s World Championship for the first time in nearly three decades that Asia hosts this prestigious tournament,” Marcos said in a Facebook post.
“This also marks the historic debut of Alas Pilipinas on the world stage. Laban!” he added, referring to the national volleyball team of the Philippines.
This year’s tournament, which also marks the first edition under the new format and schedule, is being held in Pasay City and Quezon City and will run until Sept. 28. For the first time, 32 national teams are also participating in the games.
The FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship will then shift from the traditional quadrennial meet to a biennial format.
Meanwhile, the Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball team took on Tunisia in the FIVB Men’s World Championship opener but succumbed to the 11-time African champions in three straight sets, 25-13, 25-17, and 25-23.
They will be back at the court on Sept. 16 to face Egypt and on Sept. 18 against Iran.
-jpv
