Manila Magic Meets Indian Ambitions: The Volleyball Lesson of 2025

Updated: November 06, 2025 00:41

Image Source: asoif

The 2025 Philippines-hosted FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship demonstrated world-class hosting and athletic standards, highlighting key gaps in India’s volleyball ecosystem. India’s absence and performance struggles underline the urgent need for systemic reforms, increased professionalism, and development to compete globally.

The 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship, hosted by the Philippines, marked a milestone as the first such tournament in Southeast Asia. The Philippines team’s spirited performance on home soil, coupled with world-class event organization, captured the admiration of global volleyball fans and experts alike. Their competitive matches, passionate support, and meticulous hosting standards highlighted how sports infrastructure and athlete focus can elevate a nation’s status in international volleyball.

India, however, was notably absent from this prestigious tournament. Currently ranked 70th in men’s volleyball globally, India failed to qualify for the 2025 Worlds. This exclusion spotlights the deep challenges confronting Indian volleyball, from talent development to international competitiveness. Once an Asian contender with medals as late as the 1980s, Indian volleyball has struggled to maintain momentum due to governance issues, internal disputes, and lack of exposure on the global stage.

The Philippines’ success and hosting capabilities offer an important lesson for India: the imperative of building a professional, structured volleyball ecosystem. The Philippines’ Prime Volleyball League (PVL) has become a beacon for reviving interest, driving player development, and offering media visibility, serving as a model India could emulate.

Key learnings from the Philippines 2025 Worlds for India include:

Investing in robust domestic leagues to provide players with consistent, high-level competition.
Fostering stable and transparent volleyball governance to avoid disruptions like previous bans.
Enhancing international exposure through competitive overseas training and participation in global events.
Building volleyball infrastructure and nurturing fan engagement to build sport culture and commercial viability.

India’s budding talent, such as the U16 girls aiming to succeed at Asian championships, and the establishment of the PVL are positive steps. Yet, India must accelerate these efforts to restore its standing and eventually qualify for world events.

Ultimately, the Philippines’ 2025 Worlds showcased the power of focused planning, investment, and passion for volleyball — a clear blueprint for India as it strives toward a global volleyball comeback and Olympic qualification ambitions.

Source: Hindustan Times, India Sports Hub, FIVB official, Volleyball Federation of India, Left Field by Sharda Ugra

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