Throw it back to July 2016 where Bangkok, Thailand hosted the FIVB World Grand Prix and Brazil took home the stunning victory.The above video captures it all. It shows some of the highlights from the games, some of the excitement from the crowd, and even a great display of the opening ceremonies.
Back in July Brazil managed to take home their 11th World Grand Prix title by defeating the United States 3-2 in a five-set match. To watch a live replay of the Brazil-USA match click here.
In the bronze medal match the Netherlands managed to defeat the Russians 3-2 in another five-set match. To watch the replay of that game click here. Thailand earned a spot in the final as the hosts, and was defeated in three straight sets as China took the win in the third final match.
This year’s FIVB World Grand Prix will take place from July 7th – August 6th in China and will feature 32 countries participating for the first time ever. In comparison, 28 teams competed between 2014 and 2016.
There’s been massive growth in participation since the competition debuted in 1993 when only eight teams competed. While 12 teams were in action in 1994, the number dropped back to eight in 1995 and stayed that way through 2002. From 2003 to 2010, there were 12 teams competing. In 2011 and 2012, sixteen teams participated. The number jumped to 20 in 2013 and has been growing consistently since.
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