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By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior reporter
The newly formed Philippine National Volleyball Federation, Inc. (PNVFI) has been officially recognized by the international governing body of the sport.
On the last day of its world congress held online on Sunday, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) moved to accept the PNVFI with the head of Ramon Suzara in its fold and make the latter the legitimate representative of Philippine volleyball.
A total of 155 national federations out of 190 possible votes approved the recognition of PNVFI by the FIVB.
Out of 190 possible votes, three said no, 13 abstained and 20 said they did not receive the question.
Before recognizing the PNVFI, the FIVB asked its members to vote on the election of the PNVFI as the representative of Philippine volleyball in the federation held on January 25, which was supervised by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).
The members of the FIVB had to answer the question: “Do you recognize the PNVFI elections on January 25th?” The result was 151 yes, five no, 16 abstained and 18 said they did not receive the question.
With the recognition, the PNVFI replaced the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) as an affiliate of the FIVB.
The international federation also requested the members’ decision on the expulsion of the PVF as an affiliate, obtaining 138 votes in favor, 16 votes against, 15 abstentions, while 22 said they did not receive the question.
The PNVFI also replaced Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. (LVPI), which was the governing body for local volleyball recognized by the POC.
“The entire PNVF Board of Directors wishes to thank the FIVB and all confederations for the overwhelming support during the 37th Congress, ”Suzara of the PNVFI said in a statement.
“Now we pride ourselves on the honor and responsibility of being affiliated with both the international federation and the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC),” he added, referring to the Asian volleyball body that has previously approved the PNVFI.
Mr. Suzara also thanked the POC for heeding the call of the FIVB to resolve once and for all the issue of leadership in Philippine volleyball through an election.
Through letters sent by the FIVB to POC President Abraham Tolentino, the international federation reiterated the need to choose a legitimate national sports association so that the country does not run the risk of not being able to send national teams to FIVB sanctioned tournaments.
LVPI was recognized by the POC since 2015 as the national sports federation, but was contested by the PVF.
“Now, our work begins to fulfill our unique commitment to all stakeholders. At PNVF, we serve volleyball, ”reiterated Mr. Suzara.
Other other PNVFI officials are Arnel Hajan (Vice President), Ariel Paredes (President), Donaldo Caringal (Secretary General), Rod Roque (Treasurer), Yul Benosa (Auditor) and Councilors Ricky Palou, Tony Boy Liao, Karl Chan, Charo Soriano, Carmela Gamboa, P. Vic Calvo and Atty. Wharton Chan.
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