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MANILA, Philippines — One by one, the prestigious FIVB Men’s World Championship trophy was passed to a member of Alas Pilipinas.
It started with coach Angiolino Frigoni and ended in the hands of Philippine team captain Bryan Bagunas, who then handed over the hardware to Italy skipper Simone Giannelli and the Italian squad after repeating as champions in front of a crowd of 16,429 at Mall of Asia Arena.
Tats Suzara, Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) president, said the scene was a gesture of gratitude and a symbol of good things to come after a historic hosting and a bright future ahead for the Alas Pilipinas men’s program following a breakthrough Worlds campaign.
“I’d like to give this tribute to our Filipino fans. If not for the fans, our World Championship hosting won’t be successful,” said Suzara in Filipino Sunday night after Italy overcame Bulgaria in four sets. “And I know there are a lot of ups and downs in preparing for this World Championship. But now they know that the Philippines can host any World Championship after [solo hosting] 32 teams.”
“I feel very emotional because when Alas Pilipinas was given a chance to award a trophy to a winner for the first time. We didn’t expect this. And it’s like a mini Olympics where the torch was passed. So it’s really something different that we are proud as Filipinos. And I think we will continue.”
The hosting earned high praise from FIVB president Fabio Azevedo, who graded it as “10 out of 10” and believed the Manila edition was the “Best World Championship ever.”
“This is really the result of our collective efforts, why we hosted this event and why it was given to us again. They see that we have a bright future,” said Suzara, who also serves as FIVB Executive Vice President, pertaining to the Philippines being awarded the hosting rights to the 2029 FIVB Women’s World Championship.
ctto: Inquirer Sports