Courting a deeper connection

More than a tournament

Unlike elite-level FIVB tournaments, which cater to professional athletes, VAL was designed as an event for everyday volleyball enthusiasts from around the world to meet, compete and build lasting friendships. Postmatch, many players exchange jerseys, keep in touch, and even extend invitations to visit each other's respective hometowns.

"We have a 65-year-old player. He's loved volleyball his entire life. And I told him, as long as you want to come, the game will always open to you," Hui added.

Beyond the sport, this year's Xiamen finals integrated cultural experiences as a key element of the event.

The opening ceremony began with a performance of the traditional Minnan (southern Fujian province) musical piece Fengdali, merging a thousand-year-old culture with the spirit of modern sport.

Also, a dance performance called The waves of Gulangyu, accompanied by guzheng (a traditional Chinese string instrument), further extolled the beauty of Xiamen's coastal scenery.

In addition, international participants were invited to experience traditional Xiamen life — sharing in rural banquets, dressing in folk attire, and exploring both cultural landmarks and sites of modern innovation.

"Cultural communication is a very important part for grassroots leagues like ours, which makes them much more attractive than just the sport itself," Hui added.

Encouraged by the success of this year's international edition, Hui and her team are already planning the next expansion.

Hui explained that, during the finals, representatives from several countries expressed interest in hosting VAL tournaments in their own cities. So the goal now is to build a global circuit.

Each stop could highlight its own unique charms — cuisine, tradition and everyday life — turning VAL into a true showcase of global cultures through sport.

"Volleyball is a game that requires teamwork, highlighting the importance of collaboration and uniting as one," said Hui.

Beyond the event itself, VAL's purpose is to not just promote volleyball, but to embed the sport into people's everyday life, supporting its long-term development, identifying young talent, and creating new opportunities.

"The most beautiful thing is when people meet on the court, from different places, with different stories," she said. "That moment of connection; that's what keeps me going."

Hui believes that, as long as people love the game, new opportunities will emerge.

"I always say, if you love volleyball, we'll eventually meet on the court," she smiled.

"That's the power of this sport."