ALAS Pilipinas’s victory at the FIVB Men’s World Championship on Tuesday night was a dream come true and an accomplishment that will elevate Philippine volleyball.

“It was a dream come true,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino on Tuesday, September 16, after the Philippines beat Egypt, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, before a raucous crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Egypt’s credentials highlight the upset

Egypt is a nine-time African champion, has a best-place 13th finish in the 2010 world championship, and appeared in six Olympics, finishing ninth in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.

“This team has etched their names in volleyball history and their victory will inspire the next generation to emulate them as role models,” Tolentino said. He also cited achievements by Hidilyn Diaz Naranjo and Carlos Yulo as examples of Philippine sports reaching elite levels.

Setting goals and building champions

Tolentino emphasized the importance of goal-setting and hard work. “It was a long shot; we never aimed that high for Alas Pilipinas in this world championship, but they overachieved,” he said.

He commended the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and the support from the entire sports community. “To build champions, it takes the entire community—the government, the Philippine Sports Commission, the private sector, the Filipino fan, to name a few,” Tolentino added.

Victory boosts sports tourism

With this win, the Philippines secured another niche in the global volleyball and sports family. “Two birds with one stone—we won in a world championship and the sports tourism campaign got another major boost,” Tolentino said.

Thirty-one of the world’s best volleyball nations, each with entourages of around 50 people, are in town for the championship, not including fans and family members.

“Sports tourism and this is one solid platform to boost this campaign,” Tolentino added.