Crowd shot during the VNL game between Japan and China at Mall of Asia Arena. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—The Volleyball Nations League (VNL) continues to roll on in Manila for the entertainment of volleyball fans in the country.
But Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara believes that the VNL’s stint in the country doesn’t just benefit sports spectators.
For him, exposure to a world-class league like the VNL is also a chance for Filipino volleyball athletes to savor the moment and learn from it.
“I think bringing more world class volleyball here keeps our Filipino fans filled with enthusiasm and excitement. It also gives more of an encouragement or inspiration to our players in the PVL, national team and the UAAP,” Suzara said at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
“Bringing international events [here] really inspires a lot of people, not only the fans and also the players.”
Filipinos have started to make a name for themselves overseas, with several volleyball players making impact for their clubs as foreign imports.
The volleyball national teams, meanwhile, have been trying to get competitive in the region.
Suzara said his priority remains to help raise the level of Philippine volleyball.
“I really hope to push our national team to raise its level. Our women’s (team) went from 137 and is now 57 in the world and the men’s team also will really go up in their level for the world rankings.”