PH Volleyball president eyes 2023 SEA Games gold medal finish

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Since clinching the spot as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Inc. (PNVFI) president, Ramon “Tats” Suzara has kept himself busy regarding the organization’s next programs to take PH volleyball to new heights.

After appointing national team heads for the men’s, women’s, and beach volleyball categories, Suzara’s next main goal is to put the country back at the top of the sport.

It was 28 years ago when the Philippines last won a gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG      ) when the women’s squad dominated up to the final round.

Last 2019, the PH men’s squad had the chance to repeat what the 1993 women’s national team accomplished but Indonesia cut their run short in three straight sets, 25-21, 27-25, 25-17.

“The 2023 Cambodia SEA Games will be my very good target for gold in men and women,” Suzara shared during the Philippine Sportswriters’ Association Forum.

Despite the 2021 SEA Games in Vietnam nearing, Suzara said that the best date for them would be 2023 as it takes time to execute such plan.

“We will do our best in the Vietnam SEA Games, but it is not very positive because the players are idle. It is not just us but also Vietnam and Thailand. It will be a balanced competition in Vietnam in all sports, including volleyball,” added Suzara.