Thailand made history on Sunday evening, defeating hosts China in five sets to retain their AVC Women’s Volleyball Continental Championship title and qualify for the Olympic Games for the first time.
Thailand prevailed 3-2 (25-20, 11-25, 23-25, 25-18, 15-10) at the Tianjin Olympic Center Gymnasium, recovering after falling 2-1 behind to claim their fourth continental crown and the direct Asian qualification place for the LA28 Olympic Games. The teams were separated by just one point across five sets, with Thailand finishing 99-98 ahead.
Sasipaporn Janthawisut led Thailand with a match-high 28 points, including 25 in attack and three aces, while Thatdao Nuekjang contributed 18 points, seven of them from blocks. Chatchu-On Moksri added 17 points as Thailand outscored China 68-59 in attack. China held an 11-10 advantage in blocks, while Thailand had five aces to China’s four.
The victory marked a breakthrough moment for Thailand, who will make their Olympic debut at LA28 after years of competing among Asia’s leading teams.
Their route to the title demanded resilience, particularly in a challenging semifinal against Japan. Thailand came through that test before overcoming China in the final to add the 2026 crown to their previous continental titles in 2009, 2013 and 2023.
The achievement also reflects Thailand’s continued development with support from FIVB Volleyball Empowerment.
The national team has received $168,000 in coaching support for the 2024-2026 cycle, including support for head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai. That investment has been complemented by $138,000 in equipment support and $12,000 for knowledge transfer projects between 2022 and 2026.
Thailand’s success in Tianjin brought another significant reward, with the Continental Championship also serving as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup.
Thailand and China secured two of the three World Cup places available to AVC teams, while Japan claimed the final berth after defeating Iran 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 26-24) in Sunday’s bronze-medal match.
Japan controlled the match across the main scoring elements, leading Iran 50-41 in attack, 7-4 in blocks and 4-3 from the service line. Wada led all scorers with 19 points, including 15 attacks, two blocks and two aces, while Shimamura added 14.
The bronze medal completed Japan’s campaign in Tianjin and, together with Thailand and China, secured their place at the 2027 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by USA and Canada.
Thailand also featured prominently in the tournament’s Dream Team, with Pornpun Guedpard named Most Valuable Player and Best Setter. Sasipaporn Janthawisut and China’s Zhuang Yushan were named Best Outside Hitters, while Wang Yuanyuan and Thatdao Nuekjang were the Best Middle Blockers. Japan’s Yukiko Wada earned Best Opposite honours, with China’s Wang Mengjie named Best Libero.
Dream Team
Most Valuable Player: Pornpun Guedpard (THA)
Best Outside hitters: Sasipaporn Janthawisut (THA), Zhuang Yushan (CHN)
Best Middle Blockers: Wang Yuanyuan (CHN), Thatdao Nuekjang (THA)
Best Opposite: Yukiko Wada (JPN)
Best Libero: Wang Mengjie (CHN)
Best Setter: Pornpun Guedpard (THA)
