The 2016 edition of the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix will feature all the previous winners of the competition, including title-holders USA, Brazil, Russia, Cuba, the Netherlands and China.
The FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix continues in 2016 with 28 participating countries - the same number as 2015 and 2014, which saw 28 teams feature for the first time in the tournament's history. The World Grand Prix featured eight teams in its debut season of 1993 and from 1995 to 2002, while 12 teams were in action in 1994 and from 2003 to 2010. Sixteen teams were involved in the 2011 and 2012 editions and 20 in 2013.
This year the Preliminary Round will begin on June 3 and culminate in the Finals in Bangkok, Thailand, where the winner will be crowned on July 10.
Only China and Japan have taken part in all 23 previous editions. Of the rest, USA missed the 1999 World Grand Prix and Brazil did not take part in 1997.
All previous winners of the World Grand Prix are present again this year, including Brazil, USA, Russia and the Netherlands (newly promoted again from Group 2), plus Cuba (who are now in Group 3).
Brazil top the honours list with 10 gold medals, followed by USA with six – including the top prize at the Finals in Omaha last year whilst all eyes will also be on Kenya who gained promotion from Group 3 to 2 in 2015.