On August 30, 2026, the Thailand women’s national volleyball team made history in Tianjin, China, defeating hosts China in a dramatic five-set final to win the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Continental Championship and secure the nation’s first-ever team qualification for the Olympic Games.

Thailand stages stunning five-set comeback against China

Thailand produced one of the greatest comebacks in the country’s volleyball history, overturning a one-set deficit to defeat China 3–2 in front of a home crowd in Tianjin.

After trailing two sets to one, Thailand rallied to win 25–20, 11–25, 23–25, 25–18, 15–10.

Sasipaporn leads Thailand into Olympic history

Outside hitter Sasipaporn Janthawisut led Thailand with a match-high 28 points, including 25 in attack and three service aces, and veteran Thatdao Nuekjang added 18 points, seven of them from blocks, while Chatchu-On Moksri contributed 17 points.

Road to Los Angeles 2028

Under the AVC Championship rules, the tournament winner received Asia’s direct qualification spot for the 2028 Olympic Games, while the top three teams qualified for the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship.

By reaching the final, both Thailand and China secured places at the 2027 World Championship. Thailand’s victory over China guaranteed its historic Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028.

Government announces 11.76 million baht reward

Following the historic achievement, the Thai government announced a total reward of 14.7 million baht through the National Sports Development Fund’s incentive scheme.

Each of Thailand’s 14 players will receive 600,000 baht, amounting to 8.4 million baht in total. The coaching staff will receive 840,000 baht for guiding the team to victory, while the Thailand Volleyball Association will receive an additional 2.52 million baht.

Significance for Women’s Representation

Thailand’s historic 3-2 victory over China is more than a sporting first; it is also an important moment for visibility and empowerment of women in Thai athletics. By securing the country’s first-ever Olympic qualification in women’s volleyball, the team has demonstrated the strength and potential of Thai female athletes, creating a powerful platform to advance gender equity in sport. Through the dedication of players and coaches, the triumph elevates women from participants to protagonists in one of the country’s most celebrated sports.

Additionally, the team’s success gives young Thai girls heroes who have reached the peak of international competition. Seeing women excel on this stage helps normalize the idea that elite sport is not just possible for girls, but a credible and celebrated path. Hopefully, it will inspire more girls to engage in sports and encourage stronger investment in women’s athletic programs.

In this way, Thailand’s achievement in Tianjin has an impact that extends beyond the 2028 Olympics, helping to improve the future of women’s athletics in the country by bringing greater visibility for the sport.

Thailand’s 2026 AVC Championship Squad:

  • 3. Pornpun Guedpard (Captain) - Setter (S)
  • 2. Piyanut Pannoy - Libero (L)
  • 4. Kanyarat Kunmueang - Middle Blocker (MB)
  • 5. Thatdao Nuekjang - Middle Blocker (MB)
  • 6. Warisara Seetaloed - Outside Hitter (OH)
  • 9. Kalyarat Khamwong - Libero (L)
  • 11. Sasipaporn Janthawisut - Outside Hitter (OH)
  • 15. Natthanicha Jaisaen - Setter (S)
  • 16. Pimpichaya Kokram - Opposite Hitter (OP)
  • 18. Ajcharaporn Kongyot - Outside Hitter (OH)
  • 19. Chatchu-on Moksri - Outside Hitter (OH)
  • 29. Wimonrat Thanaphan - Middle Blocker (MB)
  • 30. Jidapa Nahuanong - Outside Hitter (OH)
  • 41. Kaewkalaya Kamulthala - Middle Blocker (MB)
  • Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai (Coach)

Sources

  • “Thailand Women’s Volleyball Team Qualify for Olympics LA28 at AVC Continental Championship.” Olympics.com, International Olympic Committee, https://www.olympics.com/en/news/thailand-womens-volleyball-team-qualify-olympics-la28-avc-continental-championship.
  • “Thailand Retain AVC Continental Title to Secure First-Ever Olympic Berth.” FIVB, https://www.fivb.com/thailand-retain-avc-continental-title-to-secure-first-ever-olympic-berth/.
  • “Thailand’s Historic Volleyball Triumph.” Nation Thailand, https://www.nationthailand.com/news/sport/40070464.
  • “Thailand’s Historic Volleyball Triumph Sends Them to LA 2028.” Khaosod English, 31 Aug. 2026, https://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2026/08/31/thailands-historic-volleyball-triumph-sends-them-to-la-2028/amp/.
  • “Thailand Make History, Qualify for LA 2028 with Asian Title.” Volleyball World, https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/avc-women-continental/news/thailand-make-history-qualify-for-la-2028-with-asian-title.
  • “Thailand: Players.” Volleyball World, https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/avc-women-continental/teams/9312/players/.
  • “Volleyball Heroines Get B14.7m.” Bangkok Post, https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3313640/volleyball-heroines-get-b147m.