The latest event in the 2026 CSV South American Beach Volleyball Tour, held in Rancagua, Chile, showcased remarkable performances from teams across South America, including Paraguay, Chile, and Ecuador. With substantial assistance from the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program, these national teams achieved significant success, claiming multiple podium finishes.

In the men's competition, Paraguay's duo, Gonzalo Melgarejo and Giuliano Massare, claimed the gold medal, triumphing over other top teams. The Chilean pairs, Noe Aravena with Ignacio Zavala and Marco Grimalt with Esteban Grimalt, thrilled local audiences by securing silver and bronze medals, respectively. On the women's side, Ecuador's Ariana Vilela and Karelys Simisterra took silver, while Paraguay's Laura Ovelar and Fiorella Nunez earned bronze, underscoring their growing skill on the sand.

These accomplishments were bolstered by dedicated aid through the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program, which provided significant financial backing and expert coaching resources. The Paraguayan program, receiving USD 336,000 in coaching support and additional funding for equipment, has seen substantial progress under Brazilian coach Adriano Garrido. Similarly, Chile and Ecuador received equivalent support packages that have enhanced their national programs.

The tournament featured 32 teams from across South America, highlighting the increasingly competitive field of beach volleyball in the region. As these teams advance under FIVB's Empowerment initiative, South America's future on the international beach volleyball stage looks promising. The next tour stop is set for Lima, Peru, from April 17 to 19, where regional teams will have the opportunity to compete for further skill development and improved standings.

For more information on the event and the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program, you can visit the official FIVB website.