SA kauna-unahang pagkakataon, buong pagmamalaking kakatawanin ng five-time UAAP men’s volleyball champion National University Bulldogs ang Pilipinas sa pinakaaabangang 32nd FISU World University Games.

Sa pangunguna nina Leo Ordiales at Rwenzmel Taguibolos at multi-titled coach Dante Alinsunurin, ang Bulldogs ay sasabak sa world-class volleyball action sa men’s division ng Rhine-Ruhr 2025 na nakatakda simula July 16-27 sa Berlin, Germany.

Ang Pilipinas ay isa sa 16 member-countries na naanyayahan na lumahok sa men’s volleyball competition.

“Being chosen to represent the Philippines in the World University Games, also known as the Summer Universiade, is a great accomplishment for the country,” pahayag ni FESSAP president Edwin C. Fabro.

“Let’s give credit to the hard work and dedication of all the FESSAP officials and members working as part of the FISU family,” dagdag pa ni Fabro, na magsisilbi ding official flag-bearer.

“Of course, the support of our major sponsors — Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Philippine Airlines, Bestank, Healthy Options, OMNI Electrical and Lighting, LT Group Inc., Kelme Sportswear, Henn Athletic Club, Burlington Socks, Paddocks Casual Jeans, Seascape Village, and Lime Resort Hotel — makes our participation in this FISU-organized event complete.”

Makakasama ni Fabro sa Rhine-Ruhr ang iba pang mga FESSAP officials, na kinabibilangan nina Alvin Tai Lian, honorary head of delegation; David Ong of Philippine Airlines at Christian Tan of Healthy Options, honorary deputy heads of delegation; Mary Ng, head of delegation; Frank Lao, deputy head of delegation; Atty. Baldomero Estenzo, Graham Lim at Cecille Sarmiento.

Ang NU ang kasalukuyan ding champion ng Philippine University Volleyball League (PUVL), ang official qualifying tournament na pinangasiwaan ng FESSAP upang mapili ang karapat-dapat na kinatawan ng bansa.

Sa Rhine-Ruhr 2025, ang NU ay kabilang sa Group C, kasama ng Argentina, Colombia at Poland.

Unang sasabak sa aksyon ang mga Filipinos laban sa Poland sa Horst-Korber-Sportzentrum sa Berlin sa July 17.

Sa sunod na araw, July 18, makakasagupa ng mga FIlipinos ang Colombia sa Ballsporthalle Köpenick.

Ang ikatlo nilang laro sa preliminary round ay laban naman sa Argentina sa Grosse Sporthalle Sportforum sa July 19.

Ang complete volleyball groupings:

Group A — Australia, Brazil, Portugal,Taipei.
Group B – China, Czech Republic, Iran, Japan,
Group C — Argentina, Colombia, Philippines, Poland.
Group D — Germany, Italy, Korea, United States.

Bilang tanging volleyball representative ng bansa sa Rhine-Ruhr 2025, ang NU ay nagtataglay ng impressive credentials

Sa pag-gabay ni Alinsunurin, ang Bulldogs ay namayani bilang pinaka- magaling na UAAP volleyball team mula 2018-2024.

Last May, binigo ng NU ang Far Eastern University, 25-16, 28-26, 25-23, sa third at deciding game ng kanilang title showdown sa Mall of Asia Arena sa Pasay City upang ma-kumpleto ang inaasam na five-peat.

Nanguna para sa Bulldogs sina Ordiales, na umiskor ng 13 points sa 10 attacks at three blocks, at Taguibolos, na nagdagdag ng 10 points sa panalo ng Bulldogs laban sa Tamaraws nung May 15

Ang iba pang mfa miyembro ng NU team ay sina Jimwell Gapultos, Jan Lian Fred Abanilla, Greg Augustus Luis Ancheta, Mac Arvin Bandola, Leo Aringo Jr., Jenngerard Arnfranz Diao, Michaelo Buddin, Jade Alex Disquitado, Jeffe Gallego Jr., at Herbert Miguel P. Egger.

Makakasama nila sa Germany sina team manager Dennis Abcede Jr. at team officials Dante Alinsunurin Jr., Ariel B. Dela Cruz, Jessie P. Lopez, Raymund Franza, John Aries, Benedict B. Pejo, at Albert Ray Alejandro.

Makatutulong din nila sina FESSAP board officials Prof. Robert Milton Caloat Allan Soria.