Rita Subowo, left. and Bouchra Hajij, righ, with International Volleyball Confederation President Ary Graça ©FIVB

Morocco’s Bouchra Hajij and Indonesia’s Rita Subowo made history as they were appointed the first women to respectively lead the African and Asian Continental Volleyball Confederations.

Hajij and Subowo, who are International Volleyball Confederation (FIVB) executive vice-presidents, both said they were delighted to be elected to the posts.

Hajij was elected during the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) Congress, winning the Presidential election convincingly with 42 votes - 77.78 per cent - from the 54 National Federations eligible.

"I am delighted to be able to lead our Continental Confederation, and I am committed to ensuring the ongoing development of volleyball in our region with the FIVB’s support," said the newly-appointed CAVB President.

"To become the first-ever female President of the CAVB is a wonderful achievement and a sure sign of the incredible progress that has already been made in regards to gender equality within our sport," she added.

Hajij, who played for the Moroccan women's national team between 1986 and 2002, has led the Royal Moroccan Volleyball Federation since 2014 and served as a CAVB Executive Board member since 2015.

Meanwhile, Subowo was elected as President of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) at the organisation's virtual General Assembly.

Hajij was elected at the CAVB Congress, held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic ©CAVB
Hajij was elected at the CAVB Congress, held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic ©CAVB

"The trust that the AVC’s National Federations have bestowed upon me is incredible and gives me confidence," she said.

"I know that, united, the AVC will be unstoppable in its mission to grow volleyball across Asia so that more and more people can enjoy our sport. 

"Volleyball is my life, and I will continue to dedicate my life to this sport."

Subowo previously led the National Volleyball Federation of Indonesia and also had a spell as President of the Indonesian Olympic Committee.

Speaking about the historic appointments FIVB President Ary Graça said: "I am honoured to welcome our first ever female Continental Confederation Presidents to the global volleyball family.

"Volleyball is a gender balanced sport by nature, and the FIVB is committed to ensuring that women are represented both on and off the field of play.

"This marks an incredible milestone of progress, not only within our beloved sport, but also in the wider global sports community. 

"Both Mrs Hajij and Mrs Subowo have extensive experience within volleyball and sports administration, and I have no doubt that they will further both gender equality in sport and the development of volleyball worldwide."