The FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Macao 2019, sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) and jointly organized by the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and the Volleyball Association of Macao, China, will be held from May 28 to 30 (Tuesday to Thursday) at the Macao Forum. The four participating teams - China, Belgium, Korea and Thailand – met with the media today at the pre-event press conference.

Macao Sports Bureau and Organizing Committee President Pun Weng Kun expressed his anticipation of seeing the teams play to their best and bringing exciting competition and entertainment to the audience.  He also conveyed his gratitude to FIVB for their continuous trust and support and said the Organizing Committee will work as hard as ever to deliver a successful VNL Macao.

The coaches then talked about their expectations for this gameweek.

 “We are delighted to be in Macao again and would like to thank the Organizing Committee for the great hospitality and training facilities. We look forward to delivering our best and putting up good performances in front of the home fans.  2019 is an important year for our team with the Olympic qualifiers coming up, and we hope to make the most out of this VNL campaign to continue to raise our standards.” said China head coach Lang Ping.

“We are really happy to be back in Asia after making the long trip (from Serbia). We are facing three strong teams this week and will do our best to continue improving.” said Korea head coach Stefano Lavarini.

“We are pleased to come back to Macao. This time we meet three very strong teams, and we will do our best to perform.” said Thailand head coach Danai Sriwacharamaytakul.

“We were very happy when we realized a few months ago that we are coming back to Macao, because my team feels that the organization here is simply perfect. The venue is great and the hotel is even greater. The Organizing Committee is putting a huge amount of effort for the promotion of volleyball. We are really pleased with the results of the first gameweek and we hope we can continue our good form.” said Belgium head coach Gert Vande Broek.

Before the press conference today, China players Liu Xiaotong, Yao Di, Wang Mengjie and Li Yingying took part in an exchange session with local youngsters.  The participants were provided an opportunity to learn volleyball skills and play a friendly match with their favorite players.

Belgium and Korea will kick off this year’s FIVB VNL Macao at 1530 tomorrow before hosts China take on Thailand at 1930. The fixtures of the second and third matchdays are as follows:

• May 29: 1630 Korea v Thailand, 1930 China v Belgium;
• May 30: 1300 Belgium v Thailand, 1930 China v Korea.

Tickets are in high demand and selling out quickly, with a limited number of remaining tickets to be on sale from tomorrow at the Macao Forum.  Tickets purchased online can be redeemed at the ticketing counter at the Macao Forum upon presentation of valid receipt and personal identification document, starting two hours before the first match commences.

In order to encourage active participation of the audience, “My Favorite Galaxy Star Player and Team Award” will return this year. Volleyball fans will be invited to vote for their favorite players and teams, and voters will have the chance to win fabulous prizes of hotel accommodation and dining package.