World-class volley unfurls in June

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation will bring world-class play in in June when the country hosts the 2022 FIVB Volleyball Nations League’s men and women pool matches at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Week 2 of the top-level women’s preliminary round of the top level Volleyball World action will be played from June 14 to 19. After a day’s break, Week 2 of the men’s pool matches will take place from June 21 to 26.

Tickets to the matches will be available starting on April 18 with the Smart Araneta Coliseum expected to accommodate fans in full capacity because of softened health and safety protocols.

The Philippines is hosting the VNL for the first time since its inception in 2018.

“We expect the return of world-class volleyball action in the country, We’re confident that with pandemic waning, fans will enjoy the matches,” PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara said.

Three-time VNL champion and Tokyo Olympics gold medalist United States lead the women’s pool that also includes reigning Asian champion Japan, Southeast Asian queen Thailand, China, Poland, Belarus and Canada.

Tokyo Olympics gold medalist France leads the men’s side and will be challenged by fan favorite Japan, Slovenia, Argentina, Italy, Germany and The Netherlands.

Russia is entered in both genders but the Ukraine crisis cost the team its place in the VNL. A replacement team will be announced later.

The Philippine VNL leg will also be a great opportunity for fans to watch the sport’s biggest names like Tokyo Olympics women’s MVP Jordan Larson, two-time VNL MVP Michelle Bartsch-Hackley and 2019 VNL MVP Andrea Drews of the US.

The Japanese power trio of Yuki Ishikawa, Yuji Nishida and Ran Takahashi, as well as Tokyo Games men’s MVP Earvin Ngapeth of France are among the players to watch in the men’s side.