BIG VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE. Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon "Tats" Suzara (third from left) with guests during the official launching of the 2023 men's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) at the Diamond Hotel on Monday (June 19, 2023). From left are Diamond Hotel Rooms Division Manager George Reynoso, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevara and SM Mall of Asia Arena General Manager, Senior Vice President and Business Unit Head Arnel Gonzales. (PNA photo by Jean Malanum)
MANILA – All is set for the Philippine hosting of the 2023 men's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) third leg next month.
World's No. 1 Poland, No. 2 Brazil, No. 4 Italy, No. 7 Japan, No. 9 Slovenia, No. 12 Netherlands, No. 17 Canada and No. 25 China are featured in the July 4 to 9 competition which will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The match between Olympics triple-gold winner Brazil and four-time world champion Italy at 3 p.m. will kick off the event organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) headed by Ramon "Tats" Suzara.
Japan, currently leading the eliminations with four wins, and three-time Asian Games champion China will meet in the main game at 7 p.m.
"Everyone's looking forward to the VNL with excitement. For the first time, we will be using a different color of court flooring," said Suraza during the event's official launching at the Diamond Hotel on Monday.
Also present at the press conference were Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevara, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, SM Mall of Asia Arena General Manager, Senior Vice President and Business Unit Head Arnel Gonzales and Diamond Hotel Rooms Division Manager George Reynoso.
Guevara confirmed the attendance of First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos as special guest of honor during the opening ceremony where she will make the ceremonial serve.
Bachmann, on the other hand, assured that the Ninoy Aquino Stadium and the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, both inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, will be ready as practice venues.
China will be the first team to arrive on June 26 followed by the Netherlands (June 29), Poland and Japan (June 30) and Italy (July 1), and Canada, Slovenia and Brazil (July 2).
"We are honored to be the host of the VNL. This is a great opportunity for us to have a world-class competition. We wish all teams the best. More power to the FIVB,” Calixto-Rubiano said.
The Philippines successfully staged two legs of the VNL -- one men and one women -- at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City last year.
Meanwhile, the Japan national team will have a Fan's Day at 5:30 p.m. on July 5.
The Philippine team will also have friendly matches against the Netherlands and China. (PNA)
