As athletes from across Asia compete on one of the biggest sporting stages in the global calendar, the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 has also created an important space for conversations about what comes next.
The FIVB delegation, led by President Fabio Azevedo, spent time connecting with sports leaders from governments, Continental Associations, National Olympic Committees and the wider sporting movement, as well as partners from across the Global Volleyball Movement.
Together, these conversations reflected a shared focus on collaboration – celebrating the progress already made while exploring where volleyball and beach volleyball can create even more opportunities for athletes, fans and communities.
Building on Japan’s volleyball momentum
Few countries have a deeper connection with volleyball than Japan, and Aichi-Nagoya 2026 has provided another showcase of the sport’s strength in the country. Home supporters have turned out in force throughout the competition, creating an electric atmosphere.
That excitement culminated in the women’s final at Park Arena Komaki this week, where defending champions China overcame home favourites Japan to claim gold. Among those watching were Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and General Administration of Sport of China Director and Chinese Olympic Committee President Gao Zhidan.
Pictured (left to right): OCA Executive Board Member Noura Aljasmi, FIVB President Fabio Azevedo, AVC President Ramon Suzara, BWF President and IOC Member Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, Minister Gao Zhidan, QVA President Ali Ghanim Al Kuwari
At the Team Japan reception, the FIVB met Yoshihiro Seki, Japan’s Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and Japanese Olympic Committee President Seiko Hashimoto. The exchanges celebrated Japan’s wider sporting success, while also opening the door to further discussions in the future.
Discussions also took place with Japan Volleyball Association President Shunichi Kawai, following a strong period for Japanese volleyball. The men’s national team recently secured qualification for the Olympic Games LA28 after a dominant performance at the AVC Men’s Volleyball Continental 2026.
The strength of the wider ecosystem around Japanese volleyball was reflected in further exchanges with representatives from TBS, Fuji TV and Dentsu.
Shared opportunities across Asia
The Asian Games also provided an opportunity to connect with sports leaders from across the continent.
The occasion served as an opportunity to meet with Mizuno President and CEO Akito Mizuno. As a Global Partner and long-time supporter of volleyball, discussions with Mizuno focused on the success of this collaboration and areas to further bolster the partnership.
With Qatar preparing to host the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Cup 2029, the FIVB delegation connected with OCA President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, alongside Qatar Volleyball Association President and FIVB Board of Administration member Ali Ghanim Al-Kuwari during the Qatar House reception.
Discussions with Qatar Foundation Vice Chairperson HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani also touched on collaboration between the Qatar Foundation and Volleyball Foundation to ensure volleyball continues to support community projects worldwide.
At the Saudi Arabian reception, discussions with Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee (SOPC) leadership, including SOPC Vice President HH Prince Fahad Bin Jalawi Bin Abdulaziz Bin Musaed, HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar and SOPC CEO and Secretary General Abdulaziz Baeshen, explored opportunities for the continued growth of volleyball and beach volleyball in the Kingdom.
Conversations with Philippine Sports Commission Chairman John Patrick Gregorio and Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir centred on opportunities to build on volleyball’s rise in Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, the FIVB congratulated Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Phancharoenworakul on the women’s national volleyball team securing its historic first qualification for the Olympic Games.
Looking ahead across the wider sporting movement
A conversation with Oceania National Olympic Committees President Baklai Temengil focused on strengthening volleyball across Oceania and the potential of beach volleyball as the region builds towards the Olympic Games Brisbane 2032.
Beyond volleyball and beach volleyball, the FIVB delegation also attended the mixed martial arts competition, where they connected with OCA Vice President Gordon Tang, who also serves as President of the Federation of International Mixed Martial Arts (FIMMA).
Throughout the Games, there have also been numerous opportunities to connect with members of the Global Volleyball Movement and the wider sporting community. Taken together, the conversations underline the value of collaboration and shared commitment to the promotion of sport.
For volleyball, that means continuing to be an active and collaborative member of the Asian and Olympic Movements and working Together as One to create more opportunities for athletes, fans and communities around the world.
