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The latest update on the Indonesian Women’s National Volleyball Team in the Philippines shows that preparations are in full swing ahead of their participation in the AVC Nations Cup 2026 for Women.

The Indonesian squad, led by head coach Marcos Sugiyama, arrived in the Philippines on Wednesday (3 June).

Arsela Nuari Purnama and her teammates are set to play their first preliminary phase match against Iran on Saturday (6 June) in Candon at 5:00 PM WIB.

Currently, the team is focusing on tactical reinforcement and court adaptation. This was conveyed by the assistant coach of the Indonesian Women’s National Volleyball Team, Bobby Ade Setiawan.

“Thank God, everything is going smoothly, and all the players are in good health. Hopefully, we can maintain this condition until the end,” said Bobby Ade Setiawan when contacted on Thursday morning (4 June) WIB.

Bobby, who also serves as a full-time lecturer at the State University of Surabaya, mentioned that the team would begin training at the match venue later in the evening.

“We haven’t trained on the court yet. This morning, the players did conditioning, and we’ll start practice at 4 PM,” added Bobby Ade Setiawan.

In the AVC Nations Cup 2026, the Indonesian Women’s National Volleyball Team is grouped in Pool B alongside Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Iran, Hong Kong, and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Pool A features host nation the Philippines, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, and Uzbekistan.

Indonesia’s campaign in the group stage will begin with a clash against Iran. The next day, they will face Kazakhstan, currently ranked 35th in the world.

The challenges for Marcos Sugiyama’s team continue as they are set for an ASEAN derby against Vietnam on 8 June.

According to the latest updates, Vietnam will field their strongest lineup, including Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, who has played in the Turkish Women’s Volleyball League.

The final two group matches are expected to be relatively easier for the Garuda Women squad.

Indonesia will take on Hong Kong, ranked 85th in the FIVB world rankings, and then face Lebanon in what is predicted to be a comfortable win to close out the group stage.

All of Indonesia’s matches are scheduled to be played at 5:00 PM WIB.

Two Options to Replace Megawati as Opposite

According to Bobby Ade Setiawan, the starting lineup for the Indonesian Women’s National Volleyball Team will only be finalized one day before each match.

“So far, the lineup hasn’t been decided yet. We will determine it tomorrow during the preliminary,” said Bobby Ade Setiawan, who also serves on the coaching staff of Indonesia’s U18 Women’s Volleyball Team.

However, he confirmed that there are already two possible candidates to fill the opposite position for the AVC Nations Cup 2026.

“It will be between Syelomitha and Arsela,” Bobby stated briefly, referring to the replacement for Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi, who withdrew from the national team due to injury recovery.

The team hopes to perform at their best in the AVC Nations Cup 2026, as only the top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals.

Given the level of competition in Pool B, it remains possible for Mediol Yoku and her teammates to reach the top four in this major Asian volleyball tournament.

(Giri)