AVC Challenge Cup activist Fifi Sharma experiences “change of scenery” in Star Magic All-Star game

MANILA, Philippines – Unfortunately, Pilipinas middle blocker Fifi Sharma had an interesting Sunday afternoon after competing for the Star Magic Lady Setters in the 2024 Star Magic All-Star Games volleyball match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Just days after appearing with the national team at the recently concluded 2024 AVC Challenge Cup, where the Philippines won their first bronze medal in the tournament, Sharma faced high-profile celebrities at the exhibition match.

The former La Salle star said she is grateful for the change, even though she is no longer participating in her usual competitive volleyball experiences.

“It's fun because we have no pressure before this game. We just wanted to have fun so it's a good change,” Sharma told the media after the game.

Sharma played for the Lady Setters alongside players like Mikha Lim of BINI and collected 14 points in a three-set loss to the Star Magic Lady Spikers.

But even without the victory, the professional player was simply happy that she could help her team bring joy to the fans.

Sharma admitted that she did not expect to hear cheers during the game, especially because it was a new community for her.

“It’s okay,” said Sharma, expressing his surprise at the cheering.

“[I was] as if people knew me? Ditto in the artistic circles? [But] “It's fun because the crowd is so energetic, they're always happy, but the crowd is very, very gay,” she added.

The Star Magic festivities were sold out, with only standing room tickets available on-site before games began on Sunday.

However, it will soon be back to work for Sharma as she looks forward to a speedy recovery before she returns to action for Alas Pilipinas in South Korea, where the team will play a friendly against the Koreans in preparation for the upcoming AVC Challenger Cup next month.

“Recover well. You have to recover well because after the first few matches, sleep and recovery are very important now. “I have been doing this itong mga for the last few days,” said Sharma.

“[I’m] great, I look forward to it [to Korea and the Challenger Cup]of course, because it is a new role for me. Everything that is new is exciting for me. So yes, we will see. Super happy, [and] upset.”