Thailand moved one step closer to a historic Olympic berth after defeating Japan 3-1 in the semifinals of the Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship in China on 29 August.
The defending champions won the first two sets 25-21 and 25-20 before Japan fought back to take the third 25-20.
Thailand regained control in the fourth set, overcoming an 11-7 deficit to level the score at 11-11 before pulling away to win 25-20 and seal a place in the final.
Pimpichaya Kokram led Thailand with 18 points.
The victory also secured Thailand’s place at the 2027 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship.
Thailand will face hosts China in the final. A victory would see Thailand retain its Asian title and, more significantly, secure the country’s first-ever Olympic volleyball berth.
The Olympic qualification would mark a historic milestone for Thai women’s volleyball, with the team having never competed in the Olympic Games before.
