The Philippine men's national volleyball team is set to take on the fourth-ranked Japanese national squad in a friendly match arranged by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation,
The men's edition of Alas Pilipinas will take on Japan in a friendly match. | Photos (c) PNVF and Ran Takahashi/Instagram
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has been proactive in its mission to elevate the international standing of the Alas Pilipinas.
Recognizing the importance of competing against high-caliber opponents, the federation has arranged international exposure for both the men’s and women’s national squads.
Currently, the men’s team is ranked 57th, while the women’s team is 63rd.
“I hope with us participating in more competitions, we can go up to top 30,” PNVF president Ramon Suzara said in a press conference held for the announcement of the new national team moniker on Wednesday, May 15.
“Maraming salamat sa mga players natin who have been working very hard for the last two years when PNVF was born. Again, walang pahinga ang PNVF because almost every month may international competition.”
As part of these efforts, the women's team will compete in the AVC Challenge Cup from May 22 to 29, followed by the men's team from June 2 to 9.
Furthermore, the federation has set up a significant friendly match for the men’s national team against the fourth-ranked team in the world.
“We have a friendly match with Japan on June 15 at the PhilSports Arena,” Suzara said.
The Japanese contingent, also known as Ryujin Nippon, will participate in the Philippine leg of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on June 18 to 23.
Japan, known for its strong volleyball tradition, presents an excellent opportunity for the Philippines to gain valuable experience as the host of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship.
In the same press conference, the PNVF disclosed the list of the women’s 16-person pool and men’s 21-person pool.
Source: Ohmer Bautista, https://www.onesports.ph/more-sports/article/21323/pnvf-sets-up-friendly-match-between-philippine-men-s-national-team-and-world-no-4-japan