Crowd pull key in PH bid to host world volley

Women’s volleyball’s impressive crowd pull in the country gives the Philippines an edge in the bidding to stage the prestigious FIVB World Women’s Club Championship next year.

Philippine Superliga president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said the FIVB is particularly impressed at how women’s volleyball has built a big following in the country.

Suzara Sunday gave Stav Jacobi, an executive council member of FIVB and the man in charge of studying the hosting bids, a tour of the billeting areas and the possible venue, Mall of Asia Arena.

Jacobi went to the inaugurals of the Superliga Grand Prix at Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna, Saturday and expressed satisfaction at the size of the crowd.

“With a crowd like this, I think the Philippines will have an edge in the bidding process,” Jacobi was quoted as saying by Suzara.

The FIVB is set to name the 2016 host by November.

Jacobi sat down with PSL chair Philip Ella Juico, TV5 Sports head Chot Reyes and Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. (LVPI) vice president Peter Cayco to make sure all the FIVB requirements are met.

Apart from the Philippines, Turkey is also bidding to host the eight-club tournament, which is expected to cost the host country at least P55 million in expenses.

The tournament assembles all the top-tier squads from the world’s biggest leagues. If the Philippines wins the hosting chores, it can field a club team that will be reinforced by as many as six top international players.