Latvia is setting its sights on a historic breakthrough at the 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship, taking place from November 14–23 in Adelaide, Australia. The tournament's matches will unfold across scenic venues like The Drive and Pinky Flat along the River Torrens, creating a vibrant stage for elite international competition.
Strong Contenders: Latvia’s Men’s and Women’s Teams
Latvia enters the competition with one team in each of the men's and women’s categories, both aiming for the country’s first-ever podium finish at this level.
- Men’s team: Veteran Olympian Mārtiņš Pļaviņš and rising star Kristiāns Fokerots, seeded 17th. Fresh from a 2024 European Championship gold medal, the pair represents a blend of experience and youthful energy.
- Women’s team: Tīna Graudiņa and Anastasija Samoilova, ranked fifth, bring a winning pedigree from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (4th place) and a quarterfinals appearance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The men’s group draw includes strong opponents like the USA, Togo, and Czechia, but the pairing is confident in their path to the knockout round. On the women's side, Graudiņa and Samoilova are entering their fourth World Championship as a team with a goal of finally reaching the podium.
Strategic Support Driving Momentum
Latvia’s climb in international beach volleyball has been fueled by the FIVB's Volleyball Empowerment Programme, which provided a $168,000 grant. This funding supports top-tier coaching:
- Genadijs Samoilovs leads the men’s team.
- Daniel Luis Wood Rodriguez of Spain coaches the women’s team.
This initiative aims to strengthen Latvia’s competitive consistency and strategic development, giving both teams a powerful edge heading into the championship.
Looking Ahead
With a rewarding mix of veteran leadership, emerging talent, and high-level support, Latvia is well-positioned to shake up the global beach volleyball scene at the 2025 World Championship. Their mission: secure the nation’s first medal and establish Latvia as a formidable contender at the highest level.
You can read the full article on the FIVB official website.
