Thailand Qualify for First Olympic Volleyball Tournament After Winning Asian Title
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Thailand’s women’s volleyball team have secured a historic place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games after winning the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Asian Championship.
The Thai team completed their memorable campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over hosts China in the final in Tianjin on Sunday. Thailand won the match 25-20, 11-25, 23-25, 25-18, 15-10 to retain the continental championship they previously won in 2023.
The achievement means Thailand will compete at the Olympic Games for the first time in the history of its women’s volleyball programme.
China also earned qualification for the 2028 Olympics through the continental championship. In addition, both finalists secured places at the 2027 FIVB Volleyball World Cup.
Thailand Complete Remarkable Comeback
Thailand had to recover after falling behind in the final, but the team responded strongly in the fourth and fifth sets to secure the championship.
Outside hitter Sasipapron Janthawisut was one of the key performers for Thailand. The 29-year-old scored 28 points, including 25 kills and three aces.
Two of her aces came at an important stage of the deciding fifth set as Thailand moved closer to victory.
Veteran middle blocker Thatdao Nuekjang also made a major contribution with 18 points, including 11 kills and seven blocks. Outside hitter Chatchu-On Moksri added 17 points.
For China, outside hitters Zhuang Yushan and Wu Mengjie each finished with 21 points.
Coach Hails Historic Achievement
Thailand head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai described the Olympic qualification as a dream come true.
The coach, who returned for a second spell with the national team, praised his players and staff after the dramatic victory and highlighted the significance of reaching the Olympics for the first time.
Thailand’s success marks an important milestone for volleyball in the country, which will now prepare for its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028.
Pornpun Guedpard Named Tournament MVP
Thailand captain and setter Pornpun Guedpard was named the Most Valuable Player of the championship after playing a leading role throughout the tournament.
The 33-year-old was also selected for the tournament’s Dream Team.
The all-star lineup included Japan’s opposite hitter Yukiko Wada, China’s Zhuang Yushan, Thailand’s Sasipapron Janthawisut, China’s Wang Yuanyuan, Thailand’s Thatdao Nuekjang and China’s libero Wang Mengjie.
Guedpard said the Olympic qualification represented a major moment for Thailand. She also praised her teammates for maintaining their confidence and playing together after losing the third set of the final.
Thailand Look Ahead to Los Angeles 2028
With the Asian championship secured and Olympic qualification confirmed, Thailand now has an opportunity to prepare for its first appearance on the Olympic volleyball stage.
The historic qualification adds another major achievement to Thailand’s recent success in Asian women’s volleyball and gives the team a chance to compete against the world’s leading nations in Los Angeles.
