SIBU: Japanese volleyball standout Aika Urayama brought her championship pedigree to the Sarawak International Volleyball Invitation (SIVI) 2026 after years of success in Japan and Chinese Taipei.
The 22-year-old setter/opposite from Miyagi, Japan, spent 10 days in Sibu during the tournament and quickly settled into her new surroundings, crediting the warm welcome she received from her teammates, coach and team management.
She said the friendly atmosphere made her experience with Nova VC an enjoyable one.
“It is very friendly here. I feel very happy playing volleyball, and my teammates, owner and coach are all very friendly.
“Although it was my first time with this team, it was easy for me to play with them,” she told Sarawak Tribune at the Sibu Volleyball Indoor Stadium here recently.
A proven performer on the court, Urayama brought a wealth of experience from competitions in Japan and Chinese Taipei, having collected several championship titles while earning individual recognition including Most Valuable Player and Best Setter awards.
She was also part of teams that secured back-to-back University Volleyball League Championships in the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 seasons, further strengthening her reputation as a player with strong court vision, leadership and a winning mentality.
After completing their SIVI 2026 campaign with a fourth-place finish, Urayama expressed her appreciation to the supporters who continued to fill the venue despite the challenging hot weather.
“I am grateful to everyone who came to watch us even though it was hot. I have done my best in the final game,” she said.
Urayama’s presence added further international quality to SIVI 2026, as the Japanese player capped her stint in Sibu with a memorable tournament campaign despite Nova VC’s fourth-place finish.
