VNL hosting just the start as PNVF has plans for ‘bigger event’

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MANILA, Philippines-Ramon “Tats” Suzara said on Tuesday that the country’s hosting of the third week of the Volleyball Nations League is a prelude to bigger things that will put the Philippines “back in the world map.”

“I can’t say exactly what it is, but we have plans for a bigger event,” Suzara, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) chief, said on Tuesday during the press launch of the VNL at Diamond Hotel in Manila.

But he was more definite with other plans in the pipeline.

“There’s a chance we could get a women’s VNL next year and there’s also a chance that we can get a VNL Finals next year,” he said. “It’s going to be costly but we’ll work toward that.”

The country will host the Manila leg of the VNL during its crucial third week from July 4 to 9, as several national teams will be jockeying for victories heading into the finals in Poland.

“We will have the top teams in the world,” Suzara said. “We have Italy, the champion last year and we also have Poland, the silver medalist last year. We also have Brazil and Slovenia.”

Suzara added that because of the battle for better records heading into the finals, teams are expected to field their best players here.

First Lady Liza Marcos will do the ceremonial serve for the tournament right before the Japan vs China match. Games of the tournament will be held at Mall of Asia Arena.

“She will do some practice service the day before the actual day and she will make sure that the ball will cross [the net],” said Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevarra.

Aside from Italy, Poland, Brazil and Slovenia, also seeing action are the highly-popular Japan, The Netherlands, Canada and 25 China.

Brazil battles at 3 p.m. on July 4, followed by the China-game at 7 pm. The next day will feature the 3 p.m. match between Canada and The Netherlands while Poland and Slovenia clash at 7 p.m

“We have been contracted by the FIVB and the Volleyball World to host the VNL for the next three years. And this is our second year, hoping that it leads us to another successful hosting,” Suzara said.

Of the big project being planned, Suzara said there are currently “exploratory talks” with international volleyball officials for the project that the volleyball chief hopes will “bring the Philippines back on the world map.”

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