Defending champion Russia unveils the team roster for 2012 FIVB World League – Volleyball news
As the world’s premier men’s volleyball competition the FIVB World League is coming near, the participating countries are getting the gear ready for the tournament.
Recently, the defending champions of the 23rd edition of FIVB World League Russia disclosed the roster of national team that will try to shield their legacy in Sofia, Bulgaria.
The Russian Volleyball Federation (RVF) has shortlisted a total of 25 players for the upcoming campaign. The top six will compete, while the rest will be used as back-up players during the world league matches. The roster of the Russian team is a mix-bag
of experienced and young players. The RVF has selected six players from the top Russian club Zenit Kazan, which secured the top slot at the 2011 CEV Champions League.
Following six Zenit Kazan players will be featured on the roster of national team:
Taras Khtey Maxim Mikhaylov Janic Bojan Nikola Kovacevic Milos Nikic Dragan Stankovic
Taras Khtey will have the influential role of skipper in the Russian squad, while he will be joined by the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Cup Most Valuable Player Maxim Mikhaylov. Both these players are considered as the top weapons of Russian volleyball.
Likewise, Janic Bojan will be the new addition in team after the retirement of Miljkovic from international volleyball. Furthermore, Nikic and Stankovic will also strengthen the Russian team-line.
The 2012 FIVB Volleyball World League is scheduled to be kicked off on May 18 and it will complete its run on July 8. A total of sixteen teams from all across the globe will be on board to showcase their amazing volleyball skills in front of the international
audience.
The first four rounds of the tournament will be hosted by several countries, while the crucial final round is set to take place in Sofia, Bulgaria from July 4-8.
Russia will enter the competition as defending champion, while Brazil and Poland as second and third place finishers of the previous edition of FIVB World League. Russian team will head into the competition under the leadership of great mentor Vladimir Alekno,
who is also the coach Zenit Kazan.
The Russian coach has wealth of experience and has led the team to great many achievements in the past. This time around, he hopes to enable his team for another spectacular feat. Previously, Russia has two gold medal victories in 2002 and 2011. The team
is determined to vie for third World League title this year.
Tags: