JUST a day after its historic hosting of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, the Philippines will have another milestone in the offing — the women’s world tilt is coming to Manila in 2029.

The landmark news was announced by no less than FIVB President Fabio Azevedo and Brazilian former volley star and now senator Leila Barros during Sunday’s presser at the MOA Arena.

“Hosting the Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2029 in the Philippines is an opportunity to again showcase not only the very best of volleyball but also the positive impact our sport has on society,” said Mr. Azevedo.

The 2029 Worlds will be the centerpiece of a seven-year volleyball development program envisioned by Philippine Sports Commission chair Pato Gregorio aimed at helping facilitate the sport’s evolution into an international force.

The 2029 Worlds will also be the crown jewel among 20 international tournaments lined up by the FIVB in the country from 2026 to 2032, culminating in the Brisbane Olympics.

“This long-term partnership with FIVB and Volleyball World — a transformative empowerment program for our athletes first, and a bold push for sports tourism toward economic growth second — will not only allow our country to be at the heart of volleyball’s global growth; it will set a historic blueprint for Philippine sports development overall,” said Mr. Gregorio.

It will be the biggest women’s volley event the country is hosting that will come four years after its successful staging of the men’s meet.

It will also be the second time that the quadrennial event is going to Southeast Asia and eighth time the hosting went to Asia with the other six organized by Japan (five times) and China (once).

Interestingly, it will come right after the United States and Canada co-host it in 2027.

“We are determined to carry forward the momentum of the World Championship 2025 and channel it into something lasting for our athletes, our fans and our nation. It is also an honor to see the sport that I love contribute meaningfully to my nation’s sports and tourism agenda,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation Chief Tats Suzara.

Among the high-profile meets scheduled are a series of Volleyball National League tournaments and Beach Volleyball Pro Tours, plus the 2030 AVC Continental Championships, which serves as the Qualifier to the 2032 Brisbane Games. — Joey Villar

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