Manila: Five-time UAAP men's volleyball champion National University will join the 2025 FISU World University Games scheduled in Germany from July 16 to 27. The Bulldogs ruled the Philippine University Volleyball League (PUVL), the qualifying tournament organized by the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP) to determine the country's representative.
According to Philippines News Agency, the NU roster consists of Leo Ordiales, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Jimwell Gapultos, Jan Lian Fred Abanilla, Greg Augustus Luis Ancheta, Mac Arvin Bandola, Leo Aringo Jr., Jenngerard Arnfranz Diao, Michaelo Buddin, Jade Alex Disquitado, Jeffe Gallego Jr., and Herbert Miguel Egger. Multi-titled Dante Alinsunurin Jr. heads the coaching staff, composed of Ariel Dela Cruz, Jessie Lopez, Raymund Franza, John Aries, Benedict Pejo, and Albert Ray Alejandro, while Dennis Abcede Jr. is team manager.
The Philippines is one of only 16 member-countries invited to compete in men's volleyball. The groupings are: Pool A (Australia, Brazil, Portugal, Taipei), Pool B (China, Czech Republic, Iran, Japan), Pool C (Argentina, Colombia, Philippines, Poland) and Pool D (Germany, Italy, Korea, United States). The Philippines will face Poland at the Horst-Korber-Sportzentrum in Berlin on July 17, Colombia at the Ballsporthalle K¶penick, and Argentina at the Grosse Sporthalle Sportforum on July 19.
'Being chosen to represent the Philippines in the World University Games, also known as the Summer Universiade, is a great accomplishment for the country,' FESSAP president Edwin Fabro said in a statement Wednesday. 'Let's give credit to the hard work and dedication of all the FESSAP officials and members working as part of the FISU family,' added Fabro, the flag-bearer during the opening ceremony.
Alvin Tai Lian will serve as head of the Philippine delegation. Other members are David Ong of Philippine Airlines, Christian Tan of Healthy Options, Mary Ng, Frank Lao, lawyer Baldomero Estenzo, Graham Lim, Cecille Sarmiento, Prof. Robert Milton Calo, and Allan Soria. More than 8,000 student-athletes from 100 countries are taking part in 18 sports in this year's edition of the FISU World University Games to be held in five cities in the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region and Berlin.
