A BIGGER field and better competition are in the works for the second edition of the Champions League which will take place next month.
Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Secretary General Don Caringal said eight women’s teams and a huge field of 17 men’s teams representing various local government units (LGUs) will participate in the event from 5-12 November at the PhilSports Arena in City of Pasig.
Initial plans called for just 16 teams taking part in the week-long event – eight men and women – according to Caringal, but the PNVF decided to host more following huge interest from other LGUs in joining. join.
“Many teams have sent the intention to join, especially from the men’s side. Men’s volleyball became popular the last time we hosted the Volleyball Nations League [last July] and it trickled down to local events,” Caringal told the Philippine Sportswriters Association online forum on Tuesday. “So you can see the immediate interest in men’s volleyball.”
Men’s entries include Naga City, Bulacan, Sta. Rosa, Quezon City, Baguio City, Imus, Nueva Ecija, Valenzuela, Tacloban, Aklan, Negros Island, Mandaue, Zamboanga, Manila, Cignal and Philippine Navy.
The women’s team includes Naga City, Bulacan, Apayao, Imus, Bacolod, Manila, Davao and last year’s guest team from California Precision Sports.
Dasma Monarchs and F2 Logistics won the men’s and women’s titles respectively at the inaugural tournament in Lipa City last year.
Caringal also said in the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Amelie Hotel Manila and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. that the organization of the second edition of the Champions League would be less strict compared to 2021 due to more relaxed health restrictions.
Caringal added that the federation plans to send the men’s and women’s champions to the Asian Club Championships, although everything is still under discussion.