Bangkok set to be capital of Asian volleyball

The AVC decided to shift its headquarters to Bangkok for its central location, international air-transport hub and the growing popularity of volleyball here. Better access to Internet and online social media were added attractions – the AVC’s Beijing headquarters currently has to update its Web pages via Bangkok.

Japan, the UAE and Saudi Arabia were also in the running as potential locations, before Bangkok got the nod as volleyball hub for Asia.

Also at the fact-finding mission in Bangkok yesterday were the AVC’s first vice president Essa Hamzah Al Failakawi, Thailand Volleyball Association president Somporn Chaibangyang, Maj-General Charouck Arirachakaran, secretary-general of the Olympic Committee of Thailand, and Montri Chaiphan, deputy governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand.

Today the officials will inspect three potential locations – the newly constructed Sports Authority of Thailand building, the Sports Office at Ramkhamhaeng University and premises in Sammakorn, Bang Kapi. 

“A very big burden lies ahead, but we [the TVA] are very pleased to offer our full cooperation to the AVC. After the final decision is announced a month from now, we will have to work around the clock,” said Shanrit Wongprasert, TVA honorary president.

“The AVC covers the world’s largest volleyball territory with a total of 65 volleyball federations, so hosting officials from 65 countries at meetings in Bangkok won’t be that easy, but it’s our great pleasure to do so. We will do our best – I believe that Bangkok is ready to host the AVC headquarters.”