MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday opened the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, marking the first time the Philippines is hosting the tournament since its last staging in Asia by Japan in 1998 and 2006.
The President was accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their sons William Vincent and Joseph Simon during the game opener at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The President, who arrived at the venue around 6:30 p.m. clad in a Philippine team shirt, officially opened the games by making a ceremonial serve on the court.
He was among the hundreds of Filipinos witnessing the Philippine national team, Alas Pilipinas, battle with Tunisia during the game opener.
The FIVB or International Volleyball Federation is the sole governing body for all forms of volleyball globally.
The Philippines is only the second Asian country to host the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, after Japan organized the games in 1998 and 2006.
It will be the first edition of the World Championship under the new format and periodicity.
The FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship used to be played once every four years. Now it will be three years from the previous edition, after which the World Championship will be held every two years.
For the first time, 32 national teams will participate in the tournament.
