(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Thailand Advances to Round of 16 at FIVB Women’s World Championship
Bangkok, August 24, 2025 –
Thailand delighted thousands of home fans on Sunday as they secured a spot in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship. The Asian champions overpowered Sweden with a straight-set win (25-18, 25-20, 25-22) at the Huamark Indoor Stadium.
Earlier in the day, the Netherlands also booked their place in the elimination stage with a dominant 3-0 sweep of Egypt (25-15, 25-13, 25-13). With these results, Thailand (6 points) and the Netherlands (5 points) advance from Pool A, while Sweden (1) and Egypt (0) are eliminated.
Star opposite Pimpichaya Kokram led Thailand’s attack with 23 points, supported by middle blocker Thatdao Nuekjang, who added 11. “We prepared very well and followed our plan,” said Pimpichaya. “The energy from our fans was amazing.”
Sweden’s standout Isabelle Haak scored a match-high 25 points, but her efforts weren’t enough to secure her country’s first-ever World Championship win. Team captain Anna Haak added 10 points and praised Thailand’s strong performance.
Thailand’s offense proved decisive, recording 53 kills against Sweden’s 39. The Thais also fired five aces, while Sweden led slightly in blocks (7-4).
Pool play continues on Tuesday, with Sweden vs. Egypt at 17:00 local time (10:00 GMT) and Thailand vs. Netherlands at 20:30 (13:30 GMT) to decide the group leader.
