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The 24 teams participating in the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship from September 23 to October 15 were presented in Apeldoorn on Thursday evening. About 4000 fans attended the event on the Marktplein, which was followed by music from Berget Lewis and DJ trio Kris Kross Amsterdam.

“I am positively in shock,” said Netherlands star setter Laura Dijkema. “Starting a World Championship in your own country in such a way makes you realize how unique what we are experiencing is."

The 2022 Women’s World Championship begins on Friday and is co-hosted by the Netherlands and Poland. The two matches on the first day of the competition will be played in Arnhem and will see Poland take on Croatia at 18:00 local time / 16:00 GMT and the Netherlands play their first game at 20:00 local time / 18:00 GMT against Kenya.

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Manon Flier welcomes teams to the stage

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FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F° greets the fans in Apeldoorn

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Team Thailand share the love

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The show continues in Apeldoorn

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European champs Italy on stage

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Music in Apeldoorn

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Team Brazil pose for the photographers

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Kenya ready for their first match on Friday against co-hosts the Netherlands

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Team Poland make their entrance

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The Netherlands team celebrate on stage