SV.LEAGUE’s Inaugural Champion SUNTORY SUNBIRDS OSAKA Shine in Opening Match of AVC Men’s Volleyball Champions League Japan 2025

ⒸAVC

The Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Men’s Volleyball Champions League Japan 2025 officially kicked off today at Panasonic Arena in Osaka, marking a major format overhaul from its predecessor, the Asian Men's Club Volleyball Championship. Twelve teams from eleven Asian countries and regions are participating. The group stage runs through May 13, followed by the final stage in Kyoto starting on May 15.

Fresh off their victory in the 2024–25 DAIDO LIFE SV.LEAGUE MEN CHAMPIONSHIP Finals just six days ago, SUNTORY SUNBIRDS OSAKA, the inaugural champions of SV.LEAGUE, faced off against Australia’s Queensland Pirates in their tournament opener. SUNTORY delivered a dominant performance, sweeping the Pirates in straight sets (25–12, 25–16, 25–18) and demonstrating the stature of Japan’s reigning champions.

SUNTORY took control from the outset with a composed and confident approach. In the first set, Dmitriy Muserskiy (RUS) was a key presence at the net and from the service line, while Aleksander Sliwka (POL) contributed a wide range of attacks, including spikes, back-row hits, and feints, allowing no chance for a Pirates comeback. SUNTORY cruised to a 25–12 win.

The second set saw continued dominance, with SUNTORY overpowering the Pirates 25–16. In the third set, Pirates briefly gained momentum, led by Benjamin Carleton (AUS), building a four-point lead at 10–14. However, a four-point run by SUNTORY tied the set, and a decisive sequence including a back attack by Kotaro Kai (JPN) and multiple Pirates errors led to six straight points and a 25–18 finish, sealing a 3–0 sweep for SUNTORY.

Olivier Lecat (FRA), Head Coach, SUNTORY SUNBIRDS OSAKA, commented:
"It's never easy to enter a new competition, especially after only almost one week after the championship final. It was successful, so we entered really good, and after we tried, we decided to make many rotations, so it was a good first day. We need everyone, we need everyone to finish the season. We already played more than 50 or almost 55–56 games. So if we want to achieve our goal, we need to make some plan on the road. It was a good moment to give the confidence to everyone."

Ran Takahashi (JPN), Outside Hitter, SUNTORY SUNBIRDS OSAKA, said:
"After winning the championship and accomplishing our main goal, we were able to come into this tournament with confidence. We played great volleyball today, and even the players who came in mid-match kept up the high level. As a team, we are aiming to become champions of Asia. I want to rest well tomorrow and prepare for the next match. We hope to show the SUNBIRDS’ brand of strong volleyball again. Please keep supporting us!"

Also taking the court today was OSAKA BLUTEON, runners-up in the 2023–24 season of the former V.LEAGUE, SV.LEAGUE’s predecessor. They opened their campaign with a convincing straight-sets victory over the Philippines’ national side Cignal HD Spikers, showcasing solid team form.

Match Results – May 11
• Foolad Sirjan Iranian (IRI) def. Nakhon Ratchasima Qmin C VC (THA) 3–2
• Al-Rayyan Sports Club (QAT) def. Muharraq Club (BRN) 3–0
• OSAKA BLUTEON (JPN) def. Cignal HD Spikers (PHI) 3–0
• SUNTORY SUNBIRDS OSAKA (JPN) def. Queensland Pirates (AUS) 3–0

For further information about the AVC Men’s Volleyball Champions League Japan 2025, click here.