Two exciting Challenger tournaments have concluded, serving as qualifiers for the elite VNL2024. These events showcased impressive strides in quality from both French women’s and Turkish men’s teams, putting them squarely on the path to join the world’s volleyball elite.
In the men’s tournament, Türkiye demonstrated significant improvement. Key players, Adis Lagumdzija, Burutay Subaşı, and Efe Bayram, provided game leadership and stability. Veteran setter Arslan Ekşi’s stellar offensive organization and psychological leadership were also notable. On the other hand, Qatar continued its steady progress, moving from 21st to 19th place in the FIVB World Ranking.
Ukraine, a team with a promising future, gave a good fight in the semi-finals of the Challenger in Doha, eventually falling to Turkey in 5 sets. Despite this, Oleh Plotnytskyi’s commendable leadership leaves them in a strong position for the European Continental Championship. Chile made a noticeable step forward, particularly with a victory over favored Tunisia. In contrast, Tunisia and China fell short of expectations.
In the women’s competition, France confirmed the effectiveness of their strategic development under Belgian expert Emile Rousseaux. The past five years saw France transform from an average European team to a participant in the prestigious VNL2024. This evolution propelled France from 21st to 17th in the FIVB World Ranking.
Sweden, the other finalist, also made a notable climb from 28th to 25th place in the FIVB World Ranking, thanks to the excellent leadership of star player Isabelle Haak. Croatia, however, saw a ranking drop from 25th to 27th due to struggles in finding an adequate level of play, not helped by the absence of their best player, Samantha Fabris.
Ukraine and Mexico managed to maintain a good level, although both lost to the later finalists in the Challenger tournament.
