This September, Colombia`s men`s national volleyball team is set to make its inaugural appearance at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. This momentous occasion represents a significant breakthrough in the nation`s ongoing volleyball development and journey on the international stage, marking a new chapter of empowerment.
Their qualification for this prestigious tournament follows an impressive 2023 season, during which the team notably secured bronze medals at both the Pan American Games and the South American Championship. These commendable achievements clearly underscore their remarkable progress and burgeoning competitive strength within the continental volleyball landscape.
The team`s consistent ascent has been substantially bolstered by the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program, a vital initiative that has delivered specialized coaching assistance across several distinct stages. In 2021, the Colombian Volleyball Federation received a grant of $84,000, specifically allocated to cover 12 months of intensive coaching for the men`s national squad. Building on this success, an additional round of funding, also valued at $84,000 for coaching support, was approved in 2024 and is projected to commence very soon.
Further strategic investment arrived in 2025 with the approval of a $42,000 project dedicated to providing 12 months of comprehensive coaching support for both male and female volleyball programs. This broader, inclusive support has yielded positive impacts for both national teams. Notably, the women’s team is now diligently preparing for their second consecutive World Championship appearance, having made their debut in 2022, showcasing the widespread benefits of this empowerment initiative.
At the upcoming Men’s World Championship in the Philippines, Colombia will compete in Pool D. Their schedule places them against formidable opponents: the United States, Cuba, and Portugal. All their pool matches are slated to take place at the iconic SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Their tournament journey will commence on September 13 against the USA, followed by matches against Cuba on September 15, and Portugal on September 17.
Under the expert guidance of head coach Paolo Montagnani, the current Colombian squad comprises a vibrant new generation of players, all poised to carve out a significant and lasting presence in men`s international volleyball. While this marks their first time competing at this elite level as a collective team, Colombia boasts a rich and proud volleyball history. Notably, Liberman Agamez, a formidable opposite hitter, gained immense international acclaim as one of the sport`s most prolific scorers over the past decade. This fresh cohort now seeks to forge their own collective legacy, distinguishing themselves as a cohesive unit on volleyball`s grandest stage.
Colombia’s consistent development and growth stem from sustained and dedicated efforts across various tiers of competition. Beyond their recent senior-level medal successes, the nation has also demonstrated strong, competitive performances in a range of regional tournaments, including the South American Games, Central American and Caribbean Games, and Bolivarian Games. These achievements collectively highlight the increasing competitiveness and upward trajectory of their volleyball programs.
This inaugural World Championship appearance truly signifies the dawn of a new era for Colombia’s men’s team – an era meticulously built upon and fortified by the continuous advancements achieved through the invaluable and strategic support of the FIVB Empowerment program.
Finley Blackwood