The Thailand women’s national volleyball team made history on Sunday night, securing their fourth Asian Championship title and a coveted spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games after edging host nation China 3-2 in a dramatic final.
The defending champions entered the clash full of confidence following a 3-1 semi-final triumph over arch-rivals Japan, while China booked their final spot with a sweeping 3-0 victory against Iran.
Despite trailing China 1-4 in their last five head-to-head encounters, including a tight 2-3 loss in the 2026 Nations League, the Thais repeated their 2023 Asian Championship final victory over the hosts.
Thailand took early command of the match, claiming the opening set 25-20. China answered aggressively in the second set to dominate 25-11, leveling the score.
The hosts then fought back from an early deficit in the third set to edge Thailand 25-23, taking a 2-1 lead.
Refusing to back down, the Thai squad mounted a fierce comeback in the fourth set to win 25-18 and force a decisive tie-breaker. Riding their momentum into the fifth set, Thailand maintained composure to seal the 15-10 victory, completing a thrilling 25-20, 11-25, 23-25, 25-18, 15-10 triumph.
Thailand clean-swept individual tournament accolades, led by team captain Pornpun Guedpard, who earned both the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Best Setter awards for her exceptional playmaking.
Middle blocker Thatdao Nuekjang claimed the Best Middle Blocker title after posting 18 points in the final, while Sasipaporn Chanthawhisut was named Best Outside Hitter after delivering a game-high 28 points.
The historic victory marks the first time Thailand has qualified for the Olympic Games in women's volleyball.
The team is scheduled to return to Suvarnabhumi Airport on Monday at 9.15pm, before turning their attention to the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, set to take place from September 16 through 22.
