PVF plays host to Asian Men’s Club tilt in April

THE PHILIPPINES is returning to the international men’s volleyball circuit in style.

In a bid to enhance the country’s status in the continent, the Philippine Volleyball Federation yesterday announced its hosting of the 2014 Asian Men’s Volleyball Club Championship presented by PLDT-Fibr from April 8 to 16 at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan and Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

“This tournament is aimed at putting the Philippines back in the groove of international volleyball activities,” said PVF chair and organizing panel head Philip Ella Juico at a press conference yesterday.

The event marks the first time the country is staging a major tournament since the Asian Men’s Championship in 2009.

Juico was joined at the conference by PVF secretary general Otie Camangian, PLDT Home Broadband VP Gary Dujali, and Sports Core Management’s Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

At least 14 teams are seeing action in the tournament, led by Iran, which already has 10 titles.

South Korea, Kazakhstan, Qatar and China are also expected to vie in the event, which rewards a berth to the FIVB World Club Championship in May in Brazil.

PLDT myDSL from the Philippine Super Liga will represent the country with two imports. Team officials said players can still try out for the national club team on Jan. 15, 18 and 19.