Bangkok, Thailand, September 5, 2025 — A historic milestone for Asian volleyball was marked on Friday as FIVB President Mr Fabio Azevedo presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially inaugurate the newly-renovated Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) House in Bangkok. The state-of-the-art headquarters, located on Krungthep Kreetha Road in Saphan Sung District’s Thap Chang area, will serve as the nerve center of Asian and Oceania volleyball.
The inauguration brought together a distinguished gathering of global volleyball leaders and honored guests, including AVC President and FIVB Executive Vice President Mr Ramon Suzara, National Olympic Committee of Thailand Vice President and Secretary General Mr Thana Chaiprasit, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Mr John Patrick, and Thailand Volleyball Association President Mr Somporn Chaibangyang.
Also present were IOC Member Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, FIVB Honorary Life President and FIVB Volleyball Foundation President Dr Ari Graca, AVC Honorary Life President Mrs Rita Subowo, NORCECA President Mr Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, FIVB Executive Vice President Mrs Mireya Luis Hernandez and FIVB Director for Asia and Oceania Mr Luis Alexander.
The event was further graced by Members of the AVC Board of Administration, among them were AVC First Senior Executive Vice President Mr Craig Carracher, AVC Executive Vice President and AVC Zonal Executive Vice President representing Central Mr Mohamed Latheef, AVC Zonal Executive Vice President representing Oceania and AVC Secretary General Mr Hugh Graham, AVC Zonal Executive Vice President representing Western Mr Ali Al-Kuwari, AVC Zonal Executive Vice President representing Southeastern Mr Heyzer Harsono, AVC Zonal Executive Vice President representing Eastern Mr Yuan Lei, HRH Princess Aya Bint Feisal of Jordan and AVC Executive Director Mr Shanrit Wongprasert.
Welcoming the attendees, AVC President Suzara emphasized the significance of the day, saying:
“Today is a historic day for Asian volleyball. The AVC has stood strong for 73 years, and we pay tribute to our past leaders, especially our first president, Masaichi Nishikawa, whose 24 years of service laid the foundation we continue to build upon. The opening of the new AVC House is not just about bricks and mortar — it is a home of unity and excellence, a place where the future of volleyball in Asia will be shaped.”
Suzara revealed that the 2,800-square-meter headquarters was completed in just four months, transforming from design to reality between May and August 2025, starting on May 1 of renovation and construction. He noted that the facility would not only enhance operations but also serve as a welcoming hub for the global volleyball family.
He added, “But this is more than a building. It is a home, welcoming and open, just like the spirit of Asia. We also have planned to make this home even better in the future. This is also a very special moment for Asian volleyball because the two biggest events of our sport are happening here in Asia, especially Southeast Asia. In just two days, we will see the finals of the FIVB Women’s World Championship here in Bangkok.
“Congratulations to TVA President Mr Somporn for the most successful edition yet. And in seven days, the Philippines will stage the FIVB Men’s World Championship. These milestones underscore Asia’s growing stature in the global volleyball landscape. On behalf of the AVC, I warmly welcome you all. May this House be a place where the future of volleyball is built together.”
FIVB President Azevedo also had a speech on this auspicious occasion. In his remarks, Azevedo congratulated the AVC leadership for the successful completion of the project and commended Thailand’s exemplary hosting of the Women’s World Championship.
“It’s a great, great opportunity to be here with you all. I would like to congratulate to the AVC Leadership for a remarkable achievement. Volleyball is thriving, and Asia is playing a central role. Our ambition is clear, to double the global volleyball community from 800 million to 1.6 billion by 2032.
“With visionary leadership and passionate fans, I am confident volleyball will soon stand alongside the world’s biggest sports. America is a very great place for basketball, Europe is consolidated with football and Asia is, without doubt, the land of volleyball.”
Following the speeches, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, officially opening the new AVC House. Guests then joined in a celebratory toast before touring the modern facilities, which include a dedicated boardroom, presidential office, finance and equipment divisions, multiple meeting and working rooms, a welcoming reception, and ample storage.
The AVC House has been the official headquarters of the Asian Volleyball Confederation since the AVC relocated from Beijing to Bangkok in 2014. Initially housed at the Sports Authority of Thailand Building on Ramkhamhaeng Road, the new site was chosen for its accessibility, less than a 30-minute drive from Suvarnabhumi Airport, and its capacity to support AVC’s expanding operations.
The move, approved earlier this year, represents a strategic upgrade designed to enhance working conditions, accommodate technical staff expansion, and strengthen sponsorship and development initiatives. The modernized AVC House now stands as a symbol of the Confederation’s growth and commitment to the continued rise of volleyball in Asia and beyond.
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