THE Fiji Volleyball Federation is impressed with the competition level at the annual Vanua Challenge which started yesterday at the FMF Gymnasium in Laucala.
Unlike previous years where Central/Eastern teams dominated the two-day meet, most of the matches played yesterday were closely contested.
Tournament director Maika Kini said west teams were impressive on Day One.
"If we compare the competition level to past years, I would say this year's games are closely contested," Kini said.
"Teams like Cuvu and Nadi One were very impressive as well as other teams.
"Although they lost their games, the score line was close and that speaks the volume of competition at the Vanua Challenge."
Kini also hailed teams for injecting younger players and exposing them at national events like the Vanua Challenge.
He said while there was still room for improvement, the future of volleyball in the country looked bright.
"There has been an improvement in the standard of volleyball as seen at day one of the competition but there are still things that could be done to make it better," Kini said.
"I think there aren't enough national events to help bring the best out of the players. We have abundance of talent but lack platform where they can showcase and fine tune their skills."
Meanwhile Kini invited volleyball fans to come out in numbers and enjoy the exciting games in the elimination rounds today.
Entry fee for adults is $3 while children under-12 will be charged $1.