Bangkok, Thailand – The passion of Asia’s volleyball community took center stage as the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) announced the winners of the Fans’ Choice Awards at the inaugural AVC Gala, following a month-long public vote conducted through the AVCGala.com website that attracted almost 400,000 votes from fans across the continent.
As the only categories determined 100 percent by public vote, the Fans’ Choice Awards gave supporters the opportunity to recognize the athletes who inspired them most throughout the 2025 season.
Among the volleyball nominees, the highest-ranked male and female athletes in the public vote were honored with the Fans’ Choice Volleyball Awards. China’s Zhu Ting was named Fans’ Choice Women’s Volleyball Player, while the Philippines’ Bryan Bagunas received the Fans’ Choice Men’s Volleyball Player award. The Fans’ Choice Volleyball Awards were presented by VBTV, recognizing the athletes who earned the greatest support from volleyball fans across Asia.
In beach volleyball, the Fans’ Choice Beach Volleyball Awards likewise recognized the top-voted men’s and women’s pairs. The Philippines’ Cherry Ann Rondina and Bernadeth Pons were named Fans’ Choice Women’s Beach Volleyball Players, while Iran’s Abbas Pourasgari and Alireza Aghajani received the Fans’ Choice Men’s Beach Volleyball Players award. The Fans’ Choice Beach Volleyball Awards were presented by the City of Candon through Mayor Eric Singson.
Unlike the Outstanding Player, Coach of the Year, and Referee of the Year awards, which were determined through a combined voting system consisting of 70 percent AVC Committee votes and 30 percent public votes, the Fans’ Choice Awards were decided entirely by volleyball fans, highlighting the strong connection between Asia’s athletes and the supporters who continue to drive the sport’s growth across the continent.
AVC President Ramon Suzara welcomed the overwhelming response from fans and emphasized the importance of their participation in making the inaugural AVC Gala a resounding success.
“The Fans’ Choice Awards embody the spirit of the AVC Gala by placing our fans at the heart of the celebration. The almost 400,000 votes cast through AVCGala.com demonstrate the incredible passion that exists for volleyball across Asia and the special bond between our athletes and their supporters.”
“Congratulations to Zhu Ting, Bryan Bagunas, Cherry Ann Rondina, Bernadeth Pons, Abbas Pourasgari, and Alireza Aghajani on receiving this special recognition from the fans. We look forward to honoring them alongside all of our AVC Gala awardees during the 1st AVC Gala Awards Night in Bangkok this August as we celebrate Asian volleyball excellence together.”
The Fans’ Choice Award winners will be formally recognized during the 1st AVC Gala Awards Night on August 8, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand, where Asia’s volleyball family will gather to celebrate the outstanding athletes, coaches, referees, beach volleyball players, and leaders who defined the 2025 season.
The inaugural AVC Gala marks the beginning of a new tradition for Asian volleyball by recognizing excellence on and off the court while giving fans a meaningful voice in honoring the sport’s most admired personalities. By placing supporters at the center of the celebration, the AVC Gala reaffirms the Asian Volleyball Confederation’s commitment to celebrating Asian volleyball excellence and growing the game alongside the passionate community that continues to inspire it.
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