GENEVA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Volleyball Empowerment 2022-2023, a volleyball development program launched by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), set a record number of approved projects midway through the cycle, the world volleyball governing body announced on Tuesday.

The FIVB has invested four million Swiss francs (4.34 million U.S. dollars) in developing the sport and empowering National Federations and national teams across the world.

The program was initiated in 2021 in order to improve the level of national teams and athletes, providing them with the skills to play at the highest level.

According to FIVB, a total of 137 projects were submitted, of which 121 were approved.

Among the approved projects, there are 33 coach support projects, 56 volleyball equipment projects and 25 knowledge transfer programs.

The previous 2021-2022 application cycle saw 94 projects approved, accounting for over 3.5 million Swiss francs (3.79 million U.S. dollars) invested in the development of volleyball and beach volleyball across the world.