PNVF, Japan volleyball federation seal partnership

Japan celebrates a point against China in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) at Araneta Coliseum. FIVB PHOTO

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has forged a tie-up with Japan Volleyball Association (JVA) for the benefit of the countries’ respective national teams.

PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara announced the partnership on Friday after meeting JVA head Shunichi Kawai in the ongoing Week 3 of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Osaka.

According to Suzara, their partnership includes JVA’s support to the Philippine national team program for volleyball and beach volleyball through a training camp in Japan, with the beach volleyball teams training set at Toyota Center.

“This is a positive development for Philippine volleyball as the JVA is committed to supporting our national team program,” said the PNVF head, who is currently in Osaka as a Technical Delegate for VNL

Toyota Cente is Japan’s largest all-weather beach volleyball facility that also has two indoor courts at its Kinuura Plant in Hekinan City, Aichi Prefecture.

For PNVF’s part, it will help with the promotion of Japan men and women national teams competing in the VNL and conducting friendly matches or tournaments.

The Japanese squads were in the Philippines last June during the country’s hosting of VNL Week 2 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

In 2019, the Philippine men’s and women’s volleyball teams trained in Japan for the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

The men’s volleyball team, led by Japan V.League imports Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, earned a historic silver medal three years ago coming off a fruitful training camp.

Philippine women’s national team star Jaja Santiago has been playing as the Saitama Ageo Medics’ import in Japan V.League since 2018.

The partnership will also be a big boost for the Philippine beach volleyball teams after winning back-to-back bronze medals in the past two SEA Games.