September30September 30, 2026

BANGKOK, Thailand — The Asian Volleyball Confederation has released a new special edition of “Beyond the Net,” its official newsletter, with the latest issue dedicated to the inaugural AVC Gala and a landmark period of governance, partnership and development for Asian volleyball.

The new edition leads with the AVC Gala Awards Night in Bangkok, which brought together athletes, coaches, referees, leaders and partners to celebrate excellence across Asian volleyball. Held during the week of the 26th AVC General Assembly, the first-ever Gala also established a new annual tradition recognizing the people and organizations contributing to the sport across the continent. 

Among the Gala’s major honorees were Japanese siblings Yuki Ishikawa and Mayu Ishikawa, who received the Outstanding Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Player awards, respectively. Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan were recognized as Outstanding Men’s Beach Volleyball Players, while Japan’s Asami Shiba and Reika Murakami received the corresponding women’s honor. 

The special edition also looks beyond the individual awards, highlighting the recognition of AVC’s strategic partners and sponsors, Legacy Award recipients, event organizers and the five AVC Zonal Associations. Former AVC and FIVB President Jizhong Wei received the AVC Lifetime Achievement Award, while Korean volleyball icon Kim Yeon-koung was recognized as an AVC Ambassador. 

Beyond the Gala, the latest “Beyond the Net” documents key developments from an important week for Asian volleyball in Bangkok.

The edition covers the 26th AVC General Assembly, where leaders from across the continent gathered to discuss governance, development, commercial growth and the future direction of Asian volleyball. It also highlights the scale of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Program across Asia and the increasing representation of AVC National Federations in the world rankings. 

Governance and institutional development are also featured through the 53rd AVC Board of Administration Meeting, which addressed governance reform, development priorities, zonal activities and strategic partnerships. 

Another major milestone featured in the issue is the extension of the AVC and Volleyball World partnership through 2052. The long-term agreement builds on a collaboration that has helped modernize AVC competitions, expand international media distribution, introduce guaranteed prize money and strengthen commercial and fan engagement across the continent. 

The special edition also highlights the AVC silent auction, which raised USD 10,500 for the FIVB Volleyball Foundation and AVC Solidarity Fund, extending the impact of the Bangkok gathering beyond competition and into community and development initiatives. 

A dedicated feature looks back on the life and leadership of Jizhong Wei, tracing his journey from discovering volleyball as a teenager in China to serving as President of both the AVC and FIVB and becoming one of the international volleyball movement’s most respected statesmen. 

Launched under the leadership of AVC President Ramon Suzara, “Beyond the Net” continues to provide the Asian volleyball community with a platform to document the Confederation’s competitions, development initiatives, leadership milestones and partnerships while strengthening communication across its National Federations and stakeholders.

The new special edition of “Beyond the Net” is now available through AVC’s official digital platforms, offering readers a closer look at a defining period for Asian volleyball and the people helping shape its future.