Thailand will have an opportunity to fight for an Olympic berth after booking their berth in the final of the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Asian Championship in Tianjin on Saturday.
The defending champions defeated arch-rivals Japan 3-1 (25-21, 25-20, 20-25, 25-20) in just over two hours to advance to the championship decider where they will face either hosts and 13-time champions China or surprise package Iran.
The winners of Tianjin 2026 will earn a spot at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and also a place at the 2027 World Cup. The runners-up and the third-place team will also qualify for next year’s FIVB centrepiece event in the United States and Canada.
The three-time champions put on an inspired performance, with middle blocker Thatdao Nuekjang, outside hitter Sasipaporn Janthawisut and opposite spiker Pimpichaya Kokram all having an excellent game at Tianjin Olympic Center Gymnasium.
Pimpichaya topped the scoring chart with 20 points (19 kills, 1 block) while outside hitter Sasipaporn chipped in 15 points (15 kills, 1 block) and Thatdao added 14 (11 kills, 3 blocks).
With Japan winning four of their last five meetings including their latest match at the FIVB Nations League in Osaka earlier this year, Thailand knew what was in store for them against the world No.6 opponents.
Coach Kiatipong Ratchatakriengkrai started the match with captain Pornpun Guedpard, Pimpichaya, Chatchuon Moksri, Sasipaporn, Kaewkalaya Kamulthala, Thatdao, and Piyanut Pannoy as libero.
And it was the Pornpun and Thatdao combination that proved crucial as Thailand cruised through the first two sets after just one hour.
Japan, known for their tenacious defence and fighting spirit, refused to bow down easily and fought back to take the third set and looked to regain some momentum.
But Thailand regrouped in the fourth set and went on to seal their place in the final, with Pimpichaya smashing the winning shot.