FIVB President tells local amateurs to "keep enjoying the game" at men's VNL Finals

NINGBO, China, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Fabio Azevedo, President of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) on Friday joined local amateurs for an air volleyball event in Beilun, Ningbo, the host city of the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Finals.

The activity saw FIVB officials and local enthusiasts engage in a lively air volleyball match, drawing cheers and applauses from spectators with several thrilling rallies.

"It's amazing. It's fantastic because air volleyball can be the best way for kids to start playing," Azevedo said. "The ball is light, it doesn't hurt, and the way of playing is so easy. It enables mass participation and brings joy to all age groups."

Azevedo also noted the inclusiveness of the sport: "Air volleyball is a great manifestation of a sport. It's a great promotion of a sport. Everybody can play. The court is smaller, the net is lower, it's easy, inclusive, and fun. It's already included in FIVB's global volleyball movements."

In addition to the sporting activities, FIVB officials immersed themselves in local culture. They watched traditional lion dances and martial arts performances and toured a local intangible cultural heritage market, exploring Chinese traditional crafts such as paper-cutting, tie-dye, and tea whisking.

"It is an amazing demonstration of Chinese cultural heritage," Azevedo said. "I can't pick a favorite, all of them are beautiful reflections of Chinese culture."

Azevedo also took the opportunity to encourage local fans to keep embracing volleyball as part of their everyday lives.

"Keep playing. Keep enjoying the game," he added. "Volleyball has the power to bring people together. It's all about togetherness. We want to see more people playing and getting engaged in volleyball." ■