Philippines Women's Volleyball Nations League

Last year, when the Philippine Volleyball Federation hosted the fourth FIVB Women's Volleyball Challenger Cup, it took a risk. Ninoy Aquino Stadium hosted the event from July 4–7. Argentina, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Kenya, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Sweden, and Vietnam competed for two 2025 FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League places.

Also known as the Philippines. Vietnam, the Asian Challenge Cup winner, defeated Alas Pilipinas in straight sets in its opener. The semi-finals saw the Czech Republic defeat Vietnam in women's volleyball. The Czechs secured one of the top berths by defeating Puerto Rico in the finals. Belgium might have finished fourth, but FIVB considered the eight teams' standings. Belgium beat Vietnam and Puerto Rico.

This loss wasn't disastrous for Alas Pilipinas. After hosting the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix many times, the Philippines has a huge volleyball following. The FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League replaced the Grand Prix in 2018, another attempt to excite and reward players and spectators. China hosted the first three finals.

2025 FIVB Women's World Championship: New Challenges

The pandemic forced the FIVB to switch venues. In 2025, 18 teams would compete in this yearly event, up from 12. FIVB eliminated core and challenger steam statuses. It could revitalize women's volleyball.

Italy defeated the defending champion USA in women's volleyball to win their first Olympic gold medal in Paris. Paola Egonu leads the FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League-winning Italian team. The Italian women are the top contenders for the 2025 FIVB ladies' volleyball world championship.

FIVB increased the number of teams from 24 to 32. After reconsidering, the Philippine Volleyball Federation withdrew from hosting this important tournament. It demonstrates the federation's desire for Alas Pilipinas to dominate the sport. It's occurring.

Alas Pilipinas might turn to Thailand, a 2002 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix participant. Grinding should eventually make Alas Pilipinas a contender, because the only way to be the best is to play against the best. Alas, Filipino fans may wait (like Thai fans).  

The FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Rises

The World League served as the model for the 1993 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix was modeled after the World League. The former didn't become successful like the latter because most Grand Prix sponsors are from East Asia. East Asia hosted most of the matches, with China hosting eight.

The early FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix showed heated rivalry between Cuba and Brazil. The two American volleyball powerhouses didn't play each other in the 1994 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix group stage. South Korea won the 1994 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix third round in Manila.

Brazil overcame Cuba in the Shanghai finals to win their first FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix. This yearly tournament encouraged women's volleyball, with big prizes, to keep elite teams playing. In the 1994 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship in São Paulo, Brazil, Cuba defeated Brazil in straight sets, maintaining the order in women's volleyball.

After those finals, the rivalry heated up, culminating in a tough 1996 Atlanta Olympics semifinal match between the top teams. Cuba rallied, but lost. Captain Mireya Luis, 5'9", leads the Cuba belles. She could jump high. None of her volleyball opponents could block her.

Key Moments in the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix

Manila hosted the 1999 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix second round. Brazil, Cuba, and Italy—volleyball powerhouses—were contending for a position in the finals in Yuxi, China, making it a memorable leg. The Brazilians beat Cuba in four sets. In Yuxi, the latter missed the last four. Araneta Coliseum hosted the 2000 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix finals, which Cuba won. Russia defeated Brazil in the semifinals, denying spectators another close encounter between these two American volleyball powerhouses.

Thailand debuted at the 2002 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix. Quezon City hosted a second leg. Brazil won this leg. Although they placed last, the Thai ladies qualified for the following edition. Thai women's volleyball is one of the finest in the world, virtually qualifying for Tokyo 2020. Last year, Thailand placed third in an Olympic qualifying tournament in Poland. Why not Alas Pilipinas if Thai women can? Politics can be unpredictable, but fans want Alyssa Valdez to join the squad and shine.

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