Head of FIVB world sports body praises Ningbo volleyball scene

[Video/Ningbo Daily]

In an exclusive interview with the Ningbo Daily newspaper, International Volleyball Federation or FIVB President Fabio Azevedo highlighted the role of Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province, in global volleyball.

The 2025 Volleyball Nations League or VNL Men's Finals concluded in Ningbo's Beilun district on Aug 3, marking the first time the finals have been held in China since the international tournament's 2018 upgrade.

In an exclusive conversation, Azevedo praised Beilun's extensive experience hosting international volleyball events — including the China women's team training base established in 2008 — and described Ningbo as a "city of volleyball", where professional facilities, seasoned organizers and passionate fans converge.

Visiting Beilun for the second time since the 2023 Women's Olympic Qualifiers, Azevedo highlighted its world-class venues, skilled staff and engaged spectators — noting that even matches without Chinese teams attract packed arenas.

He emphasized that Ningbo's enthusiasm was perfectly in line with volleyball's spirit and that it had established a strong foundation for future FIVB events and grassroots initiatives in the region.

Check out this video to see what he had to say.