It is a privilege to welcome you all to the 18th edition of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s Under 21 World Championship, which for the first time are being held in Mexico.
This week is a chance to come together and celebrate our sport’s future stars in one of volleyball’s oldest competitions which was first staged in 1977. Both Brazil and Russia will be making their 18th appearance and I’m sure teams will be keeping a watchful eye on the latter as defending champions, who have four titles to their name.
The Men’s Under 21 World Championship is a special tournament which has cemented itself as one of the showpiece age group events in our sport’s calendar and the breadth of talent that will be on offer from the 16 competing nations is a very exciting prospect.
The Age Group World Championships underline the importance of player development and provide a brilliant platform for young talent to impress on a world stage. Tournaments like this are also essential in captivating the attention of new fans and inspiring a new crop of youngsters to take up our wonderful sport.
I am sure we will be treated to performances full of passion, hunger and desire in what is certain to be an extremely competitive and compelling contest.
Dr. Ary S. Graça
FIVB President