FIVB President Fabio Azevedo has already given the Philippines a perfect score for its hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, even as the tournament is still days away from concluding, with the Round of 16 ongoing at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Azevedo praised the seamless execution of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) behind the scenes, from venue preparation and scheduling to logistics and athlete services. He also emphasized that the Philippines has proven itself capable of hosting a world-class volleyball event.
He added that the athletes are fully satisfied with the organization, from their accommodations to the overall competition experience.
“Man, 10 out of 10,” said Azevedo during his first-ever ride on the LRT-2 from Recto to Araneta-Center Cubao aboard the FIVB World Championship train.
“Those guys, they rock. The way that they worked here from the beginning, preparing every single detail of the World Championships and being absolutely focused and concerned about the quality and persistence of the service towards our athletes. So our athletes, they are 100% satisfied,” he continued.
Beyond the top-tier organization, the tournament has also highlighted Filipinos’ love for volleyball. From their active online support to their enthusiastic presence at the venues and the excitement surrounding each match, it is clear that volleyball in the Philippines is more than just a game — it is a shared passion that unites fans across the country.
“Listen, always the uniqueness is regarding the culture and the public, right? So Filipinos, they love our sport. Filipinos, they are so warmly welcoming each and every one of us coming to the country,” said Azevedo.
“And I can assure you that each and every one of the athletes and entourage they are being here to perform during the world championships. They are extremely happy. So that’s the uniqueness of the world championships,” he added.
Azevedo acknowledged that hosting a volleyball tournament of this scale was a major challenge for the Philippines, especially as it was the country’s first time organizing an event of this magnitude.
Despite the enormity of the task, he said the LOC has managed every aspect exceptionally well, leaving no detail overlooked in the eyes of the sport’s governing body.
“They’re giving 10 out of 10 in terms of their conditions and their performance best. So this one, first set, is a big tackle for the local guys in terms of their capacity,” said Azevedo.
“But if you check every single point in terms of promotion, look of the games, branding, activation, co-presentation, fan engagement, venue we are playing is an Olympic international standard. So I would give to the local guys in the community 10 out of 10.”
#WATCH: FIVB President Fabio Azevedo gives the Philippines a perfect 10/10 for hosting #MWCH2025 🇵🇭🏐
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/kbJXtMUmdK
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 22, 2025
