By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Members of the Alas Pilipinas women’s volleyball team are already buzzing with excitement following the FIVB’s announcement that the Philippines will host the 2029 Women’s World Championship.
Not only will this give the Filipina spikers the chance to compete against the world’s best on home soil, but it would also give volleyball leaders the time and resources to create a long-term development program for women’s volleyball in the country.
“We’re so, so happy that we’re being given this kind of opportunity.. na Philippine women’s team naman,” said team captain and decorated setter Jia De Guzman.
“We’re excited because we’ll be playing against the top teams in the world. Gusto din naming malaman kung hanggang saan yung maabot namin,” added veteran libero Dawn Catindig.
With the competition happening in four years, De Guzman and Catindig are relieved that there would be ample time to grow and strengthen the team.
“With what the men’s team showed with 16 months of preparation, tapos sa amin, four years, there are so many possibilities. We’re thankful that we’re giving us time to prepare,” said De Guzman, referring to Alas Men’s showing at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship where it stunned Egypt in four sets and nearly beat Asian powerhouse Iran in a close five-set duel.
“We can’t really bank on what we’ve been doing the past years na few weeks lang yung preparation for a tournament. The past years have been very kind to us in terms of results, but that’s only banking on weeks, a few months or preparation. This time, we’re years ahead, so we have to take advantage of this,” she added.
Meanwhile, Italy celebrated with gusto after retaining its title in the Men’s World Championship after beating Bulgaria, 25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 25-10, on Sunday before more than 16,000 cheering fans at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Alessandro Michieletto, who was later adjudged the Most Valuable Player, said their determination to play better after a not-so satisfying performance in the pool stage boosted their resolve to clinch their fifth overall world crown.
“We’re happy because two times in a row is very difficult,” he said.
Best Opposite Spiker Yuri Romano agreed with the sentiment, adding that their strong mentality has helped them achieve their goals of strengthening their presence on the world stage.
“The team has a great mentality. We played together in good and bad moments,” he said.
