Mali Volleyball Seeks Olympic Glory with FIVB Partnership

The Fédération internationale de volleyball (FIVB) is set to partner with Mali's volleyball federation to enhance the country's volleyball program. FIVB President Fabio Azevedo aims to make volleyball more accessible and impactful globally. He envisions the sport being played and enjoyed by people worldwide, with a goal of doubling its global fan base to 1.6 billion. Azevedo's vision aligns with the values of collaboration, integration, peace, and solidarity that volleyball embodies.

The partnership focuses on developing Mali's beach-volley program, a priority for FIVB on the African continent. With Mali's potential in volleyball, highlighted by player Noumory Kéita, the FIVB aims to provide technical support and resources. This includes training for coaches and athletes, as well as equipment upgrades to improve local training conditions. The goal is to help Mali compete at a higher level and potentially win an Olympic medal in beach-volley by 2032.

FIVB President Fabio Azevedo and Confédération africaine de volleyball President Bouchra Hajij met with Malian officials to discuss the partnership. The meeting, held in Senegal during the Youth Olympic Games, aimed to strengthen collaboration between the FIVB and Mali's volleyball federation. Azevedo expressed his enthusiasm for working with Mali, citing the country's potential and Kéita's exceptional skills.

The partnership involves a comprehensive strategy to support Mali's volleyball development. This includes training sessions for administrators and national referees, as well as expert guidance to enhance the federation's structure. An expert is expected to arrive in Bamako to provide training and support. The partnership also aims to bridge the competitiveness gap between African nations by providing technical assistance and resources.

Malian officials have welcomed the partnership, expressing gratitude to Azevedo and Hajij for their support. The country's Secretary General for Youth and Sports, Modibo Traoré, praised the FIVB's initiative, which aligns with Mali's goal of preparing athletes for future Olympic Games. Traoré also expressed hope that Bamako will host international competitions in the near future.

The FIVB's strategic vision, "FIVB - Phase 3," aims to elevate volleyball globally through four pillars: professionalism, integration, empowerment, and mass participation. The vision includes 15 priority areas to make volleyball more impactful and inclusive. Meanwhile, Hajij's presidency of the Confédération africaine de volleyball focuses on developing volleyball across the continent.

With this partnership, Mali's volleyball federation is poised to benefit from FIVB's expertise and resources. The country's athletes will have access to enhanced training and competition opportunities, increasing their chances of success at the international level. As Azevedo stated, "We are ready to accompany Mali to win an Olympic medal in beach-volley... It is possible with hard work and dedication."

Key points

• FIVB partners with Mali's volleyball federation to enhance skills and competitiveness
• Partnership aims to help Mali win an Olympic medal in beach-volley by 2032
• FIVB's strategic vision focuses on making volleyball more accessible and impactful globally