Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – The Sierra Leone Beach Volleyball team is set to compete in the FIVB U19 Beach Volleyball World Championships, taking place from August 27 to September 1, 2024, in Shangluo, China. This prestigious tournament will feature 32 of the world’s top U19 beach volleyball duos, each vying for the coveted title in their respective gender categories.
Representing Sierra Leone are athletes Musa L. Kamara and Alie Jalloh, under the guidance of their experienced coach, John Dida Kamara. The team has demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout their preparations, and they are poised to make a significant impact on the international stage. Their impressive serves, passes, and spikes will be on full display as they strive to bring pride to their nation.
China was chosen as the host for this important age-group tournament after an open bidding process, with interest expressed by five nations across three continents. This marks the tournament’s return to China for the second time, following the successful 2018 edition in Nanjing. However, 2024 will be the first time the event is held in central China, in the historic city of Shangluo, surrounded by the picturesque Qinling Mountains.
Shangluo, a city with a rich history dating back to 257 AD, is known for its natural beauty and excellent air quality, enjoying 330 days of favourable weather annually. The city has already demonstrated its capability to host major events, having successfully organized the Chinese National Beach Volleyball Championships in 2023, attracting a crowd of 15,000 spectators over four days of thrilling action.
The FIVB U19 Beach Volleyball World Championships will take place at the 2,000-seat Centre Court, located in front of the Qinling Museum. The venue will also feature four side competition courts and two warm-up courts, all within walking distance of each other.
The tournament will welcome 32 teams per gender in the main draw, divided into eight pools of four teams each. The pool phase will follow a round-robin format, with the top three teams from each pool advancing to a 24-team playoff in an elimination format.
As the Sierra Leone team prepares for this monumental challenge, the nation eagerly anticipates their performance in Shangluo, hoping they will bring home a triumph that will resonate across the country. BT/26/8/2024
