Uzbekistan is preparing to host the FIVB Boys` U19 Volleyball World Championship, which will take place in Tashkent from July 24 to August 3, 2025. This significant sporting event has been made possible through the support of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program, encompassing 12 months of coaching, provision of necessary equipment, and the implementation of three knowledge transfer initiatives.
As part of the first phase of the Empowerment program, from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, Branislav Moro has been appointed as the head coach of the U19 national team. His key objective is to elevate the team`s technical skill level and its competitiveness for the upcoming championship.
To ensure the successful execution of the tournament, FIVB has also supplied high-quality equipment, including Gerflor Taraflex flooring, Senoh volleyball nets and their respective systems, and one hundred Mikasa volleyballs. This demonstrates a commitment to raising national playing standards.
This marks the first time Uzbekistan will host an FIVB Volleyball World Championship, underscoring the country`s growing role in the global volleyball community. Over the past two years, in 2023 and 2024, Uzbekistan secured second place in the Asian Challenge Cup.
Twenty-four participating teams will initially compete in four round-robin pools. The top four teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage. All participants will continue to compete until the end of the tournament, with final rankings from first to 24th determined through three additional rounds.
The Uzbekistan Volleyball Federation views this Boys` U19 World Championship as a unique opportunity to showcase its progress in sports development. The support from the Empowerment program contributes both to individual player preparation and the overall advancement of the national volleyball initiative.
Tashkent, combining the rich heritage of the Silk Road with modern infrastructure, is solidifying its position as an important international sports hub in Central Asia. The city is ready to provide an ideal setting for the tournament, welcoming leading junior volleyball teams from around the world.
Hosting the World Championship signifies a momentous occasion in the history of Uzbek volleyball. The Empowerment program lays a strong foundation for the continued development of talent and strengthens the country`s presence on the international sporting stage.
Photo source: Uzbekistan Volleyball Federation
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood