MANILA, Philippines - Eighteen teams have so far confirmed their participation in the Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship presented by PLDT Home Fibr, including many-time champion Iran, guaranteeing a spirited battle for top honors in the event slated April 8-16 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay and Ynares Sports Complex in Pasig.
Other countries competing in the event, to be hosted by the country for the first time, are Bahrain, China, Chinese-Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mongolia, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Thailand, Turkmenistan, UAE and Vietnam.
Organizing Committee chairman Philip Ella Juico yesterday said the field is one of the best yet formed for the tournament.
The Philippine Volleyball Federation, meanwhile, will soon trim down a pool of 30 to make up the men’s national team.
Ramon Suzara, chairman of AVC Development and Marketing Committee and member of the FIVB Development Commission, said the list exceeded expectations as the organizing SportsCore had initially targeted a high of 16 club participants.
The PVF and SportsCore will also welcome today Shanrit Wongprasert, the Asian Volleyball Confederation executive vice president and chairman of AVC Sports Events Council. Wongprasert is scheduled to inspect the Astrodome and the Ynares Sports Complex, which will serve as venues for the meet.
“No stone will be left unturned as we guarantee before the FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) and the AVC the country’s successful staging of Asian Men’s Club Championship,†Juico said.
Juico and Suzara have invited Wei Jizhong, the honorary lifetime president of the FIVB and AVC, as the meet’s guest of honor and speaker.
Wei is expected to be joined in the AMCC opening ceremonies by no less than AVC President Dr. Saleh Bin Nasser of Saudi Arabia.
“The championship will help boost our local volleyball programs,†Juico said. “And Mr. Wei is supportive of the new Philippine volleyball program.â€