FILE — The Philippines women’s volleyball team during their game against Indonesia held at the OCBC Arena Hall 2, Singapore Sports Hub on June 10, 2015.
Philippine volleyball is bracing for two major international events this year as it won bids to host the Asian Women’s Club Championship in September and the World Women’s Club Championships in October.
This was bared yesterday by Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. consultant and Philippine Superliga president Ramon “Tats” Suzara during the PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate.
The Philippines will be represented by reigning PSL Grand Prix champion Foton in the Asian Clubs where the Tornadoes are expected to tap several imports, two of whom can be used at the same time.
For the World Clubs, the country will gather the best six local players in the PSL to play with six imports of its choosing against the best in the world, including Russia and the United States.
Suzara, who is also marketing and development chief of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and member of the marketing and development committee of the FIVB (international federation), said the twin hosting is a testament to the progress of volleyball in the country.
“The World Clubs hosting is historic because it’s the first time we are hosting it,” said Suzara of the meet slated Oct. 18 to 23 at Mall of Asia Arena. PSL has been granted rights by the FIVB to organize the meets.
For top local player and Philippine Sportswriters Association’s Ms Volleyball, Alyssa Valdez, to play for the national team, Suzara said she has to be playing for a PSL team.
Twelve teams will see action in the Asian Clubs, including defending champion Thailand. The tourney is slated Sept. 3 to 13 either at Philsports Arena or the MOA Arena.
In the World Clubs, the top eight teams will clash along with the Philippines as host team. Initial plans, according to Suzara, is to hire top caliber foreign players to beef up the national roster.