MANILA -- The Philippines' hosting of the FIVB Men's World Championship 2025 has drawn praise from the federation's officials, with FIVB President Fabio Azevedo giving it a "10 out of 10" score.
"The result of this event could not be better," said Azevedo.
"Filipinos, they understand the game, they're enjoying having fun with the game. Our athletes, our coach, our entourage, they are so happy being here. The welcome of the Filipinos was so great and everybody's happy being here. The organization is 10 out of 10," he added.
Azevedo stressed that the Philippines plays a vital role in FIVB's long-term strategy to grow the sport.
"It's part of our strategy because we have in Asia more than 52% of our fanbase in the world and in Southeast Asia, especially. So coming to Southeast Asia with two world championships, men and women, was part of our strategy," he explained.
"So the point is that our key pillar is to move the fan base of volleyball in the world to double it in 80 years from now. So we have doubled in 80 years, by 2032. So today we know that we have about 800 million people in the world somehow connected to our sport. It's 10% of the worldwide population.
He explained that their goal is to reach 1.6 billion by 2032.
When asked about the possibility of the Philippines hosting more global volleyball tournaments, Azevedo was emphatic: "No, not maybe -- certainly."
"We are coming back very soon, sooner than later, sooner than expected. And we are, as you speak, discussing with your government, with ministers for the national federation, in order to prepare a long-term partnership with the Philippines. And our main objective is to transform the Philippines into a powerhouse of volleyball," he added.
He also lauded the historic performance of Alas Pilipinas, who finished their debut campaign in 19th place.
"These guys, these guys, they're legends. They are heroes. I can tell you each and every one of you, guys, you have to celebrate those boys. What they did here was remarkable. I'm calling this one the Battle of Manila."
Azevedo's praise comes even with Philippine government officials raising questions regarding the high ticket prices for the event, as well as the alleged display of an illegal gambling platform's logo during matches.
READ: Senators highlight ticket prices at FIVB Men's World Championship
READ: PNVF president responds to critics of PH's hosting of FIVB Men's World Championship
Senators Erwin Tulfo and Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday had called out the organizers of the world championships over the prices of the tickets, with Tulfo noting that Filipinos are "being priced out" of the sport.
"P15,000 para makapanood lang po ng volleyball. Sino naman po ang makabibili ng ganyan kamahal na ticket? Siyempre, hindi po ang ordinaryong estudyante. Hindi rin po 'yung mga mahilig sa volleyball sa probinsiya, o mga batang nangangarap na maging volleyball players," said Tulfo.
Ticket prices have since been slashed. Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Tats Suzara has also previously explained that 1XBET's logo only appears on the feed of Volleyball World, and not on the actual courts.
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
.jpg)
Alas Pilipinas celebrates after beating Egypt in the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship 2025 in Pasay City on September 16, 2025. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
Meanwhile, Tats Suzara shared that the federation is aligning with FIVB to build on the momentum from the World Championship with a seven-year development program.
He bared that the seven-year development plan is "not only for men's volleyball, but (also for) women's volleyball."
Among the priorities will be the growth of youth teams.
"In fact, this next month, in the Asian League Games in Bahrain, we're sending our under-16 women's team there."
Suzara believes that with sustained preparation, Philippine volleyball can continue to rise on the global stage.
"Alas men can be world-class with all the hard work and the 16 months of preparation. If we prepare [for] more than four years, I think we can really go to the world stage for men's volleyball, not only for women's," he said.
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about the team's future: "I think if they continue to do that, it will be easy for us to play really well in the SEA Games. And hopefully in the Asian Games."
But for now, the FIVB is well-focused for the quarterfinals of the FIVB Men's World Championships.
"We are now expecting amazing quarterfinals as of tomorrow, and semifinals on Saturday, finals Sunday, and then we're gonna crown here the world champion for 2025," Azevedo said.