Thailand claimed one of the biggest victories in their volleyball history by defeating host China in five sets to retain the AVC Women’s Volleyball Continental Championship and qualify for the Olympic Games for the first time.
Thailand battled back from 2-1 down to win 3-2 (25-20, 11-25, 23-25, 25-18, 15-10) at the Tianjin Olympic Center Gymnasium, securing Asia’s direct place at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
After taking the opening set, Thailand lost momentum as China controlled the next two. The defending champions responded under pressure, winning the fourth set comfortably before closing out the deciding tie-break 15-10.
Sasipaporn Janthawisut starred with a match-high 28 points, while Thatdao Nuekjang scored 18 and Chatchu-On Moksri added 17. Wu Mengjie and Zhuang Yushan led China with 21 points each.
The victory delivered more than another continental title. It confirmed Thailand’s long-awaited Olympic debut in women’s volleyball and secured the team a place at LA 2028.
