The Philippine National Volleyball Federation has announced that the country will most likely host the 21st edition of the Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship from August 27 to September 5.
Federation president Tats Suzara revealed the news after they received clearance from the Clark Development Corporation last Tuesday.
“We are hosting. It’s ninety-nine percent that we are hosting the Asian Seniors Women’s Championship in Clark, Pampanga,” he said.
This will be the third time the country is hosting the event, having done so in 1997 in Manila and 2017 in Biñan.
The Philippines finished in eighth place during both tournaments.
The 2021 edition of the tournament should have taken place in China but had to pull out.
The hosting was possible due to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas also getting the nod to host the final window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers next month also in Clark.
Just like the Clark window, all participating teams will be housed in Quest Hotel while the games will take place in AUF Sports & Cultural Center.
Possible secondary venues are the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga; or the Subic Bay Gym. Bren hosted the NBL Season 3 Finals, while Subic Bay Gym hosted the MPBL Lakan Finals.
“It will be a bubble championship, no spectators. Parang sa FIBA Asia lang,” said Suzara.
The federation expects sixteen teams to take part in the event, headlined by defending champion Japan.
Already qualified are Thailand, South Korea, China, Kazakhstan, Chinese-Taipei, Iran, Indonesia, Australia, India, and Hong Kong.
Composing the national team pool coached by Odjie Mamon are Jaja Santiago, Aby Marano, Majoy Baron, Mylene Paat, Eya Laure, Ria Meneses, Iris Tolenada, Dell Palomata, Faith Nisperos, Alyssa Solomon, Mhicaela Belen, Ivy Lacsina, Jennifer Nierva, Kamille Cal, Imee Hernandez, and Bernadette Pepito.
Four to five more players could be added a few days after the Premier Volleyball League’s Open Conference begins.
Suzara wants the pool to train in Subic starting on June 1.
