Nagoya, Japan, September 25, 2026: The ongoing 20th Asian Games has provided the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) with an important space for conversations about what comes next.
The FIVB delegation, led by President Fabio Azevedo, has spent the past few days in Nagoya connecting with sports leaders, including HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, OCA President and Qatar Olympic Committee President, government ministers, NOC Presidents and the wider sporting community.
The FIVB posted on Thursday, September 24 and said these conversations reflected a shared focus on collaboration and celebrated the progress already made while exploring where volleyball and beach volleyball can create even more opportunities for athletes, fans and communities.
With Qatar preparing to host the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Cup 2029, FIVB President Azevedo met with Sheikh Joaan, alongside Qatar Volleyball Association President and FIVB Board 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 the sport continues to support community projects worldwide.
The excitement culminated in the women’s final at Park Arena Komaki this week, where defending champions China overcame home favoruites Japan to claim gold. Among those watching were Sheikh Joaan and General Administration of Sport of China Director and Chinese Olympic Committee President Gao Zhidan.
At the Team Japan reception, the FIVB met with Yoshihiro Seki, Japan’s Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and Japanese Olympic Committee President Seiko Hashimoto.
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 LA28 Olympics after a dominant performance at the AVC Men’s Volleyball Continental 2026.
At the Saudi Arabian reception, discussions with Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee 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 Sports and Tourism Surasak Phancharoenworakul on the women’s national volleyball team securing its historic first qualification for the Olympic Games.
