SIBU: Diamond Food VC of Thailand and Hobby Ace VC from Mongolia emerged champions in the 2025 Sarawak International Volleyball Invitational (SIVI), clinching the men’s and women’s titles respectively last Sunday (Aug 3).
Diamond Food VC bagged $2,000 (about RM9,300), a trophy and medals after edging out Sarawak Senior, who earned $1,000 (about RM4,650). Hong Kong’s Green Dragon placed third with $500 (about RM2,325).
In the women’s final, Hobby Ace VC secured the title and US$2,000. Thailand’s Thanyaburi took second and $1,000, followed by Sarawak Senior in third with $500.
Prizes were presented by Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, who officiated the closing ceremony after the finals.
Calling on the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports to consider Sibu as a volleyball venue for the 2027 SEA Games, Chieng said the town has the facilities, experience, and support to host international-class events.
“We’ve proven our ability to organise tournaments of this scale and have a strong volleyball tradition, including producing national players,” he said.
He added that hosting such events would not only elevate Sibu’s image but also inspire more youth to take up the sport.
A total of 13 teams participated — six men’s teams from Thailand, Hong Kong, Johor, Miri, and Sarawak (Senior and Junior), and seven women’s teams from Mongolia, Thailand, Taipei, Johor, and Sarawak.
The tournament, jointly organised by the Sarawak Volleyball Association (SAVA) and the Sibu Volleyball Association (SVA), ran from Jul 29 to Aug 3 at the Sibu Indoor Stadium in Rejang Park.
Also present was SAVA and SVA chairman Datuk Moh Wung Ming.
