Fifi Sharma remains optimistic about the future of Philippine volleyball, believing that continued exposure to elite international competition will eventually help the country close the gap with some of the world’s top volleyball nations.
Widely regarded as one of the Philippines’ premier middle blockers, Sharma has built a strong reputation through her performances in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and as a member of the Philippine women’s national volleyball team. At just 25 years old, she has already established herself as one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, known for her versatility, defensive presence, and leadership on and off the court.
Although Sharma was not part of the Alas Pilipinas squad that competed in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Nations Cup in Candon City in June, she continued to support the national team’s efforts while keeping a close eye on the level of competition showcased during the tournament.
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Having experienced international volleyball firsthand as both a player and spectator, Sharma understands the significant difference between local and world-class competition. Yet rather than being discouraged by the disparity, she sees it as motivation for Filipino athletes to continue improving and raising the country’s standards.
For Sharma, tournaments featuring top international teams provide valuable learning opportunities not only for players but also for coaches, officials, and fans. She believes that witnessing elite-level volleyball in the Philippines can inspire the next generation of athletes and accelerate the development of the sport nationwide.
“That we get to experience playing like this – this level of atmosphere, this level of play. Hopefully, eventually, we will reach this kind of level in the near future. It’s always inspiring to watch international-level volleyball, especially here in our home country,” Sharma said in a media interaction.
🇵🇭FIFI SHARMA EXPLAINS WHY ASIAN VOLLEYBALL TEAMS LIKE 🇯🇵JAPAN ARE SO INSPIRING:
🎙️: “As a long time volleyball fan, I especially love watching Asian volleyball teams because they make ordinary players like me believe that height is not all there is. Watching them play in person… pic.twitter.com/JDHGX9aDhb
— Torey Canino-Celis (@tj_canino) June 20, 2026
The Akari Chargers standout emphasized the importance of continued international exposure, noting that competing against and observing stronger teams allows Filipino players to better understand the demands of the global game. Such experiences, she believes, are crucial if the Philippines hopes to become a consistent contender in major regional and international tournaments.
Despite the growing popularity of volleyball in the country and the continued success of the PVL, Sharma acknowledged that there is still considerable work to be done before Philippine volleyball can consistently compete with the sport’s traditional powerhouses in Asia and beyond.
The PVL has enjoyed remarkable growth in recent years, attracting large crowds, increased media attention, and a deeper pool of talent. However, Sharma recognizes that the pace, physicality, and overall quality of international volleyball remain on a different level.
“I think we still have a long way to go in terms of reaching the international level. But having this kind of exposure here and making it accessible for Filipinos is a big help in developing athletes in the country,” she added.
Sharma’s perspective reflects the broader vision shared by many within the Philippine volleyball community. As more international competitions are hosted locally and Filipino athletes gain opportunities to train and compete abroad, hopes remain high that the country’s volleyball program will continue to evolve and become increasingly competitive on the world stage.
For now, Sharma is turning her attention back to club duties with the Akari Chargers as preparations continue for the upcoming PVL On Tour preseason tournament, which is scheduled to begin on July 8. The preseason competition will provide teams an opportunity to fine-tune their systems and build chemistry ahead of the next PVL campaign.
As one of Akari’s key veterans and leaders, Sharma is expected to play a significant role in the Chargers’ preparations. While she remains focused on helping her club succeed, her aspirations extend beyond domestic competition. Like many members of the current generation of Filipino volleyball players, Sharma continues to dream of the day when the Philippines can compete on equal footing with the world’s best teams.
With her experience, leadership, and commitment to the sport’s growth, Sharma remains one of the strongest advocates for Philippine volleyball’s continued development. And while she acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead, her belief in the country’s potential remains unwavering.
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