Kyoto, Japan, May 17, 2025 – History was made on Saturday in Kyoto as the AVC Men’s Champions League Trophy was unveiled for the first time in a landmark press conference at Shimadzu Arena. The event, attended by a large media contingent, marked a significant milestone in the inaugural edition of the AVC Men’s Champions League.
Presiding over the event was AVC President Mr Ramon Suzara, joined by star spikers Yuji Nishida of Osaka Bluteon and Abdel-Aziz Nimir of Al-Rayyan Sports Club — the two teams set to clash in the tournament’s final showdown on Sunday. The two athletes were invited to witness the momentous unveiling of the prestigious trophy that symbolizes the highest honor in Asian men’s club volleyball.
Also in attendance were Mr Luis Alexandre Rodrigues, FIVB Director for Asia and Oceania; Mr Richard Palou, Premier Volleyball League (PVL) President and Vice President of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF); Mr Masaaki Okawa, Chairman of Japan’s SV.League; Mr Masashi Nambu, High-Performance Group Senior Director as well as staff from the Japan Volleyball Association (JVA).
During his address, Mr Suzara congratulated both Osaka Bluteon and Al-Rayyan Sports Club for reaching the final and earning qualification to the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship.
“I would like to congratulate both teams for their historic achievement. This is a proud moment for the AVC, and I also would like to extend my appreciation to Mr Masaaki Okawa, Chairman of the SV.League, as well as the Japan Volleyball Association for their exceptional efforts in co-hosting the inaugural AVC Men’s Champions League,” he said.
Responding to a question from Japanese journalists regarding scheduling conflicts between the AVC Champions League and various national professional leagues, Mr Suzara acknowledged the challenge but emphasized ongoing efforts to resolve the issue.
“The AVC Competition Calendar is part of the broader FIVB Calendar, and we understand it’s not easy for professional leagues to accommodate additional club competitions. However, we are actively working on aligning the AVC Champions League with domestic calendars across Asia. That’s why Mr Palou is here – to engage in joint discussions and ensure the next edition of the AVC Champions League is scheduled harmoniously.”
Saturday’s press conference underscored the AVC President’s vision for greater collaboration between the AVC, SV.League, and national federations across Asia. Last year, Mr Suzara also paid a visit to the SV.League and JVA, aimed to strengthen ties and explore joint opportunities for organizing future editions of the tournament.
“The AVC Champions League represents a benchmark for club competition in Asia. Our goal is to match the standards of the European Champions League – not only in terms of organization but also in competitive level. While some club players had limited preparation time, the quality of play has been exceptional. To remain globally competitive, Asia must raise its level, as Europe continues to push forward – especially with no limit on foreign players in their leagues.”
The press conference concluded with photo opportunities as the dazzling golden-colored AVC Men’s Champions League Trophy was showcased to media and guests. Mr Suzara, joined by dignitaries and the two star players, posed with the trophy, marking a celebratory and symbolic moment ahead of Sunday’s much-anticipated final.
Meanwhile, in a celebratory gesture to honor the victorious teams, AVC President Mr Ramon Suzara, amid thousands of passionate fans at Shimadzu Arena, proudly presented a giant sign reading “Qualified” to Osaka Bluteon of Japan and Al-Rayyan Sports Club of Qatar.
The presentation took place shortly after both teams secured thrilling semifinal victories against their respective opponents to book their places in the final and earn qualification for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship.
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