Ran Takahashi swings by PVL quarterfinals, inspires Akari players

Ran Takahashi watches the PVL quarterfinals matches on Saturday. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — To the delight of Filipino volleyball fans and players, Ran Takahashi capped his Manila tour with a surprise visit to the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals on Saturday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. 

Takahashi proved to be a lucky charm for Akari, which tapped him as a brand ambassador, as he witnessed the Chargers book their first-ever ticket to the PVL semifinals after eliminating No.8 Farm Fresh, 17-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23, for their ninth straight win in as many as games.

Grethcel Soltones, who finished with 17 points and 10 excellent receptions to conspire with Oly Okaro and Ivy Lacsina, admitted that Takahashi’s visit to their dugout before their game inspired her and the Chargers. 

READ: Ran Takahashi overwhelmed by PH fans’ ‘amazing’ support

“Actually, Ran is part of my inspiration because I see that he’s not just cute, but also skilled in technique—just like coach [Taka] says. When he came in, I just said, ‘Hi Ran! It’s nice to see you,’” Soltones said.

Takahashi, who had a meet and greet on Friday and interacted with the members of Akari and Nxled at FilOil, handed the Fair Play award to the Chameleons, who had the most green cards in the tournament,  and watched the knockout games.

Akari’s Japanese coach Taka Minowa took to his social media pages to thank the Japanese national team star, saying he’ll always be their lucky charm. 

“Thank you [Ran] for becoming an Akari ambassador and also inspiring the team. You’re lucky charm for us forever,” said Minowa.

READ: Ran Takahashi says overseas stint one of keys to growth as player

Even Aby Maraño got a chance to meet the two-time Olympian after receiving a lucky shirt from her partner and Akari setter Kamille Cal for a photo opportunity and short interaction.

Filipino-Ivorian fencer Maxine Esteban also supported Akari and had another photo with Takahashi. Esteban has been enjoying her time home after the Paris Olympics.

Takahashi, who has been visiting Manila since the Volleyball Nations League 2022, is grateful for his time to interact with the Filipino fans, hoping to see them all in next year’s FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship at Smart Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena. 

“I would assume that coming from Japan, Japanese fans are always gonna be there but having fans from outside, other countries is very surprising and welcoming,” Takahashi told the PVL social media team. “The fans in the Philippines they’re very warm and supportive. It feels like a home game whenever we play here in the Philippines because of the fan support and I’m very happy with that.”

“Thank you very much for all your support up to now and I’m really happy that I met all of you, this opportunity. Next year, we’ll be here again and we hope to see all of you and can’t wait for your cheer.”