Thailand’s historic volleyball triumph sends them to LA 2028

Thailand’s women’s volleyball team made history on Sunday, defeating hosts China 3-2 in a thrilling five-set final to win the 2026 AVC Women’s Continental Championship and secure an automatic berth at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The victory in Tianjin marked Thailand’s first-ever Olympic qualification in a team sport since the men’s football team competed at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.

The Asian championship was particularly significant this year, with the winner earning an automatic place in the 2028 Olympic tournament.

Thailand, ranked 17th in the world, faced world No. 7 China in the final. Head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai started Pimpycha Kokram, Thatdao Nuekjang, Chatchu-on Moksri, Sasipaporn Jantharawisut, Kaewkalaya Kamulthala and Pornpun Guedpard, with Piyanut Pannoy as libero.

Thailand made a strong start, taking the opening set 25-20. China responded emphatically in the second set, winning 25-11.

Thailand led for much of the third set but China rallied late to win 25-23 and take a 2-1 lead.

The Thai team refused to give up, dominating the fourth set 25-18 to force a deciding fifth set.

Thailand maintained their composure in the decider and closed out the match 15-10 to seal a 3-2 victory.

The triumph saw Thailand retain their Asian title and book their historic ticket to Los Angeles 2028.

The government is set to award the team a total of 11.76 million baht under the National Sports Development Fund’s incentive scheme.

The 14 players will receive 600,000 baht each, totaling 8.4 million baht. The coaching staff will receive 840,000 baht, while the Thailand Volleyball Association will receive 2.52 million baht.