Bangkok, Thailand, February 6, 2025 – The AVC Beach Volleyball Committee convened in a hybrid format at the AVC Headquarters here on Thursday not only to discuss key topics including expanding beach volleyball competitions and creating more opportunities for member federations but also keep the members updated about the global growth of the sport.
Mr Craig Carracher from Australia, himself President of FIVB Beach Volleyball Commission and AVC Beach Volleyball Committee, chaired the Thursday’s meeting. Mr Chang Chi Ming, Thomas from Hong Kong, China as Secretary, Mr Kritsada Panaseri, Director of AVC Beach Volleyball Department from Thailand, and Ms Nattalida Sumdangdech, AVC Officer in charge of AVC Beach Volleyball Department, were attending on site, with Ms Liu Min from China, Mr Aprelius Balebu from Indonesia, Mr Nader Ansari from Iran, Mr Tomoki Kimishima from Japan, Mr Hussain Mohamed from Maldives, Mr Mohammed Salem Al-Kuwari from Qatar, Mrs Debbie Masauvakalo from Vanuatu and Mr Nguyen Thai Binh from Vietnam joining on Zoom.
AVC President Mr Ramon Suzara
The AVC Beach Volleyball Committee also had a great honour of the presence of AVC President Mr Ramon Suzara and AVC Secretary General Mr Hugh Graham during the two-hour meeting.
In his welcome address, the AVC President delivered his sincere thanks to all attendants, reflecting on the significance of the effort and collaboration the newly-formed body will have while working closely together.
“It is my great pleasure to see all of you in this first AVC Beach Volleyball Committee Meeting in this your leadership. It is very important occasion since this is the first meeting of the committee. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all you new members and express my appreciation to those who continue to serve in a row. Your dedication and commitment to development of beach volleyball in Asia is truly valued. We recognized the importance of the innovations, strengthening the beach volleyball across the continent over the years as we keep demanding the support from each member federations in helping us for organizing success and successful competitions at high level,” Mr Suzara was quoted as saying in his speech.
“I am confident that we will continue to elevate the support to greater heights. This meeting is particularly significant to provide opportunities for us to discuss and shape the future of AVC beach volleyball. Please feel free to speak in this meeting and I need everyone to share the idea which is very important for development in the committee. In concluding, I would like to give you my heartfelt gratitude for your participation. I look forward to working together and I wish all of you a successful meeting,” said the AVC President.
Mr Carracher
After that, the Committee Chairman Mr Carracher gave an opening speech, sending his congratulations message to Australia, Oceania and Asia in particular in jointly hosting the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships later this year in Adelaide.
The approval process of the Agenda, the 2024 Minutes of AVC Beach Volleyball Committee and the 2025 AVC Beach Volleyball Calendar was orderly and fair.
The Committee Chairman also kept the members updated about the recent FIVB Beach Volleyball Commission Meeting, which focused on crucial topics including the change of competition structure, the increase of prize money and the ranking points system.
“In 2025, the number of teams in the Main Draw of the Beach Pro Tour will increase, granting more athletes and teams opportunities to compete on international stage. The Elite category will expand to 24 teams per gender, while in the Challenge category, up to 32 teams will be accepted,” he indicated.
Later, Mr Kritsada had reported on the 2024 AVC Beach Volleyball Championships and FIVB events in Asia, informing that 12 AVC beach volleyball events were held last year including 4 zonal events, 4 AVC Beach Tour and one Asian U19 event, with 16 FIVB events being organized in Asia including 9 Beach Pro Tour Futures and 4 Challenge events.
As South East Asia including Vietnam, Thailand and Philippines, Eastern Asia including China and Chinese Taipei and Western Asia including Qatar are very active in participating and hosting beach volleyball events, AVC President Mr Suzara suggested that Central Asia including Maldives have at least one permanent beach volleyball tour per year to bring excitements and provide athletes opportunities to truly make an impact which will help develop and strengthen the movement of AVC beach volleyball.
Other important topics raised for discussion and approval included adjusting Asian Senior Beach Volleyball Championships schedule from annual to biennial, AVC Qualification System for FIVB Beach World Championships and starting of AVC Beach Volleyball Technical Delegate Seminar.
QUICK LINKS
AVC Website: click www.asianvolleyball.net
AVC Facebook: click www.Facebook.com/AsianVolleyballConfederation
AVC Twitter: click: www.twitter.com/AsianVolleyball
AVC Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/avcvolley/?hl=en
Mikasa Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/mikasasports_official
AVC Youtube: click: Asian Volleyball Confederation
AVC WeChat: Asian Volleyball Confederation
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