Alas begins FIVB Men’s countdown

MANILA, Philippines — The countdown to the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships starts now.

The Philippines hosts two Japanese clubs in the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals today at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City to kick off a year-long countdown for the historic hosting of the 32-team world tourney.

Serving as the opening salvo for the week-long celebration before the official World Championship Draw on Sept. 14 and a kickoff concert to be hosted by Malacañang on Sept. 15, the Alas Pilipinas men play six-time Japan V.League titlist Osaka Blueton, formerly Panasonic Panthers, in back-to-back games today and tomorrow.

The Alas will face nine-time Japan V. League champion Saga Hisamitsu Springs on the same dates.