In a landmark moment for Asian volleyball, Ramon “Tats” Suzara was elected as the president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) on Friday morning at the Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.
Suzara, who will serve a four-year term, is only the second Filipino to hold the position, following Nemesio Yabut who served from 1976 to 1979.
Suzara’s election marks a new chapter for the AVC, as he aims to leverage the region’s rich tradition and history in volleyball to propel the organization into a new era.
“The greatest boost shall be derived from the region’s grand tradition and rich history in volleyball,” Suzara said in his acceptance speech.
“The legacy of inspiring wisdom and nurturing leadership of previous administrations will be carried on, even as the AVC story continues to unfold.”
Securing 48 out of the 63 total votes, Suzara won decisively over his lone challenger, Qatar’s Ali Ghanem Al-Kuwari, who received 15 votes.
The election – part of the 25th AVC General Assembly, Congress, and Election – saw 20 votes cast by proxy, with Brunei and Mongolia not participating.
Suzara succeeds Indonesia’s Rita Sibowo, who led the AVC through the past Olympic cycle from 2020 to 2024.
“I thanked everyone who has trusted me and as president, my work has just begun,” Suzara remarked, emphasizing the start of a new chapter for the AVC.
Accompanying Suzara at the Congress were Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) chairman Dr. Arnel Hajan, vice president Ricky Palou, and secretary-general Donaldo Caringal.
“Thank you very much my AVC family, to Mr. Ali [Ghanem Al-Kuwari] we will always be family,” Suzara added, highlighting the camaraderie and collaboration within the volleyball community.
The election was observed by FIVB President Ary Graça and Director General Fabio Azevedo, who extended their warm congratulations to Suzara, as did outgoing president Sibowo.
Graça expressed confidence in Suzara’s leadership, stating, “He is going to be a good president because Mr. Suzara is very professional for our sport.”
Suzara’s election comes in anticipation of a significant event for the Philippines: the solo hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships in September next year.
This milestone event underscores the growing prominence of the Philippines in the global volleyball landscape.
Alongside Suzara, the AVC elected its new executive board members, including first senior executive vice president Craig Carracher of Australia, executive vice president Mohamed Latheef of Maldives, secretary-general Hugh Graham of Cook Islands, treasurer Marina Tsui of Hong Kong, and internal auditor Hasan Alfransiny of Bahrain.
