Volleyball World and FIVB announced India as the host nation for the Men’s Club World Championships for two years. They announced it in partnership with the RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23, India’s top professional league.
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As the host nation, the winners of the league in 2023 and 2024 will represent India in the tournaments. They will face fierce competition against established clubs from around the globe like Italy, Brazil, Iran etc.
The Club World Championships will be exclusively marketed in India by India’s leading sports marketing firm, Baseline Ventures.
The championships will be staged between December 6 and 10, 2023. The host city will be announced later this year.
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Big boost for volleyball in India
The tournament brings the best of international volleyball to India. The sport is seeing a meteoric rise since the commencement of the RuPay Prime Volleyball League in 2022. Season 1 of the league saw a cumulative TV viewership of 133 million in India alone. It managed to reach over 84 million fans on digital platforms.
For over 20 years, the Volleyball Club World Championships have featured the best men’s professional clubs from around the world. Teams have been competing for the title of World Champions and a share of over USD 350,000 in prize money.
The FIVB President Ary S. Graça F° said: “The FIVB is delighted to bring the best of men’s club volleyball to India for the first time ever! With the top clubs in the world, including the host nation, taking part, fans in India and around the world can be assured of thrilling volleyball action and incredible athlete performances.”
First time in the subcontinent
“We are thrilled to have the Club World Champs being held for the first time in the subcontinent,” said Finn Taylor – CEO of Volleyball World. “This tournament is known for its exciting and competitive matches, and we are delighted to give fans in India, and around the world, via Volleyball World TV, the opportunity to watch the best clubs and athletes compete at the highest level.”
Tuhin Mishra, Managing Director & Co-Founder, Baseline Ventures and Co-Promoter of RuPay Prime Volleyball League said: “It’s a historic moment for Indian sport. For the first time in a truly global sport, the best athletes from around the world will come down to India to showcase their talent and our Indian players will get a chance to compete against them.
“This is in line with our mission to help the Indian volleyball team qualify for the 2028 Olympics and a global event which will be held for consecutive years in India will provide the perfect platform and exposure for our players.”
‘Great news for the league’
Thomas Muthoot, owner of Kochi Blue Spikers said: “This is a great news for our League. It will encourage every team to give their best so that they can play at the Club World Championships. Also, this global event will surely create more excitement for Indian volleyball fans. They will witness the best action on Indian soil.”
The League will stream live on Volleyball World TV outside the Indian subcontinent, starting this Saturday, February 4. The qualified teams and final schedule for the Club World Championships will be announced later this year. Fans can expect to see matches from the tournament on Volleyball World TV globally.
