Thailand’s 3-2 win over the host in Tianjin secures the country’s first-ever Olympic volleyball berth, denying China an early LA28 ticket
Thailand stuns China to win Asian volleyball title
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Thailand beat host nation China 3-2 in Sunday’s final of the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Continental Championship in Tianjin, winning its fourth continental title and securing the country’s first-ever Olympic berth in women’s volleyball.
How did the final unfold?
Thailand won the first set 25-20, but China responded to take the next two 25-11 and 25-23. Thailand forced a decider with a 25-18 fourth set, then closed out the match 15-10 in the fifth. The two teams finished separated by just a single point across the entire match, 99 to 98.
[See more: Türkiye win second VNL title, China finish fourth on home soil]
Sasipaporn Janthawisut led all scorers with 28 points, including 25 from attack and three aces. Thatdao Nuekjang added 18 points, seven from blocks, while Chatchu-On Moksri contributed 17. Thailand outscored China 68-59 in attack, though China held a narrow edge in blocking, 11 to 10.
What does this mean for Thailand?
The win gives Thailand its fourth Asian Championship title, matching its previous triumph in 2023, when it also beat China in the final. It marks the first time Thailand has ever qualified for the Olympic volleyball tournament. The federation credited part of the team’s development to FIVB Volleyball Empowerment funding, which has provided US$168,000 in coaching support, US$138,000 in equipment and US$12,000 for knowledge transfer between 2022 and 2026.
What happens to China now?
China, a three-time Olympic champion and the tournament’s most successful team with 13 titles, has competed at every Olympics since its 1984 debut. Sunday’s loss denies the host an early ticket to Los Angeles 2028, though China has still secured a spot at the 2027 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Cup by reaching the final, along with Thailand. Japan claimed the tournament’s third World Cup berth by beating Iran 3-0 in the bronze medal match.
Did Hong Kong compete?
Hong Kong was among the 12 teams competing in Tianjin, placed in Pool C alongside Japan, Vietnam and South Korea. The team was eliminated after finishing without a win in pool play, with outside hitter Wing Lam Chim its top scorer in one match with 10 points.
