by sportswriter Wang Jingyu

FIVB President Fabio Azevedo receives an interview with Xinhua News Agency in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Hou Zhaokang)

BANGKOK, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- After witnessing the debut of the expanded 32-team format at the 2025 Volleyball Women's World Championship, International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) president Fabio Azevedo has declared the overhaul a landmark success.

REVAMPED CHAMPIONSHIP EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

The World Championship, now held every two years instead of every four, and featuring 32 teams up from 24, has given more teams the opportunity to compete on the global stage, according to Azevedo.

"The feedback has been extremely positive. We did the right thing for our sport," Azevedo told Xinhua. "We are giving more teams a chance to play. Organizing the World Championship every two years, increasing the number of teams to 32, and implementing a universal qualification system ensures strong representation from every continent, while still featuring the best teams in the World Championship."

"We saw so many young talents performing here. We didn't see them before, but now they are at the highest stage in the world," he added.

Azevedo also noted the event's success from a marketing perspective.

"In terms of operations, we have amazing entertainment, ticket sales, and theatrical lighting," he said. "Asia has 52 percent of the world's volleyball fan base. This year, seven out of the eight world championships are held in Asia. It's a bold statement, but I believe that the Americas are for basketball, Europe is for football, and Asia is for volleyball. This event is remarkable, and we look forward to the next [Volleyball Men's World Championship] in the Philippines."

VOLLEYBALL EMPOWERMENT SHOWS GAME-CHANGING IMPACT

The 2025 World Championship has featured many historic moments: Greece secured its first victory in 23 years; France defeated China to reach the top eight; and Slovenia surprisingly advanced to the round of 16. Azevedo credited the "Volleyball Empowerment Program", which supports over 200 countries and regions in coaching, equipment and knowledge transfer, for the improved level of competitiveness.

"The technical level of the teams has increased radically. That was fantastic," he said. "We are seeing the results of four years of investment in 'Volleyball Empowerment'. 60 percent of the teams in this World Championship are supported by the program."

European teams dominated the tournament, securing nine of the 16 top spots, while Azevedo pointed to Africa as volleyball's next frontier.

"I believe by 2029 an African team will reach the round of 16. They are very close. The competitive level in Europe is high, but you can see many young players with African roots playing for European teams. The athletes are there in Africa. It's just a matter of helping them."

Azevedo also linked the success of European teams to the high quality of their national leagues.

"The success of European teams is directly related to the quality of their national leagues and the professionalism of their club teams. They compete against the best athletes in the world and in the best competitions. This prepares them well, and that's the way to go," he said. "Other athletes are just as good, but they don't face as tough competition."

ATHLETES AND FANS TO DRIVE THE NEXT EVOLUTION

Though "extremely happy" with this World Championship, Azevedo stressed that many changes are still needed to "make volleyball absolutely big in the world."

"We have many ideas to make the sport more understandable," he said. "For example, removing the double touch as a fault was a great improvement, as it keeps the match flowing. Why should light contact with the net interfere with the game? Should we even consider it a fault? We are currently studying these issues. Every time we meet, we discuss how to improve the sport."

Azevedo emphasized that the FIVB is open to changes, provided they benefit the players and fans.

"I believe volleyball has been the fastest-changing sport in the world in recent years," he said. "We are not afraid of changes because if they are for the better of our fans and athletes, we will do them. Putting athletes and fans at the center of our decisions changes everything." ■

FIVB President Fabio Azevedo receives an interview with Xinhua News Agency in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Hou Zhaokang)

FIVB President Fabio Azevedo receives an interview with Xinhua News Agency in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Hou Zhaokang)