AVC opens first Asian Volleyball House in Bangkok as Philippines readies men’s world championship

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AVC and PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara (center) and PSC chairman Patrick “Patò” Gregorio (second from left) lead the toast with (from left) Thailand Volleyball Association president Somporn Chaibangyang and National Olympic Committee of Thailand secretary-general Thana Chaiprasit and FIVB president Fabio Azevedo. [PNVF photo]

Volleyball made history in Southeast Asia with the inauguration of the first-ever Asian Volleyball Confederation House in Bangkok. The launch came as Thailand entered the final stretch of hosting the FIVB Women’s World Championship and the Philippines prepared to welcome the men’s edition a week later.

“This is the home of Asia volleyball now and it’s easier for us to work around here with the success of volleyball in Southeast Asia,” said AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who also heads the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.

The inauguration drew key figures from the volleyball world including FIVB president Fabio Azevedo, his predecessor Ari Graza, and former AVC president Rita Subowo. Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio joined them at the event alongside national and local leaders.

Bangkok becomes volleyball’s hub

The new AVC House is a two-storey mansion located on a 2,800-square-meter lot in Bangkok’s Khet Saphan Sung district. Thailand Volleyball Association president Somporn Chaibangyang and National Olympic Committee of Thailand secretary-general Thana Chaiprasit joined Suzara, Azevedo, and Gregorio in raising a toast to the new headquarters.

“All volleyball stakeholders are welcome, especially in Asia—fans, universities, club teams, and even other sports stakeholders,” Suzara said.

Azevedo lauded the milestone, adding: “What a great place to be the hub of volleyball in Asia. We are moving together as one, as president Suzara said.”

Philippines prepares for men’s world championship

While Thailand closes the women’s world championship with semifinals featuring Turkiye, Italy, and Brazil, focus is now shifting to Manila.

The Philippines will stage the 32-nation FIVB Men’s World Championship starting Friday, September 12, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The host team will open its campaign against Tunisia in Pool A at 4:30 p.m.

With AVC House now standing in Bangkok and Manila set to host the men’s global event, Southeast Asia is firmly at the center of world volleyball.