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Volleyball Association Teams with Nakhon Ratchasima Province to Host ASEAN U18 and AVC U18 Championships

Worldsport19 Jun 2026 17:07 GMT+7

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Volleyball Association Teams with Nakhon Ratchasima Province to Host ASEAN U18 and AVC U18 Championships

The Volleyball Association, together with Nakhon Ratchasima Province, is organizing two major volleyball tournaments: the 23rd "Princess Cup" Est Cola Southeast Asian Girls' U18 Volleyball Championship 2026 and the AVC Est Cola Girls' U18 Volleyball Championship 2026, with True Visions providing free live broadcasts throughout the competitions.


On 19 June 2026 at 11:00 a.m., at the Bangkapi Meeting Room, 11th floor of Kantary House Ramkhamhaeng Hotel, Bangkok, Somporn Chaibangyang, President of the Volleyball Association of Thailand, along with Air Force Captain Charnrit Wongprasert, Honorary Secretary and Chair of the Volleyball Association of Thailand's executive committee; Kanutchon Sricharoen, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province; and Kriangkrai Wilailak, Assistant Director of Terminal 21 Korat Shopping Center, jointly held a press conference for the 23rd "Princess Cup" Est Cola Southeast Asian Girls' U18 Volleyball Championship 2026 and the AVC Est Cola Girls' U18 Volleyball Championship 2026.

The 23rd "Princess Cup" Est Cola Southeast Asian Girls' U18 Volleyball Championship 2026 will take place from 23-28 June at Terminal Hall, Terminal 21 Korat Shopping Center. Six teams are participating, divided into Group A: Australia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia; and Group B: Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Kyrgyzstan. Group stage matches for Thailand are: 23 June vs. Hong Kong, 24 June vs. Australia, and 25 June vs. Indonesia, all starting at 7:00 p.m.

The AVC Est Cola Girls' U18 Volleyball Championship 2026 is scheduled for 1-7 July at Terminal Hall, Terminal 21 Korat Shopping Center, and Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University. Sixteen teams participate, divided into Group A: Thailand, Uzbekistan, Australia, Mongolia; Group B: China, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, Kyrgyzstan; Group C: Japan, Iran, the Philippines, Indonesia; and Group D: Taiwan, South Korea, India, Vietnam.

On 1 July, Thailand will play Mongolia; on 2 July, Thailand faces Australia; and on 3 July, Thailand meets Uzbekistan. All matches start at 7:00 p.m.

This tournament is significant as the top four teams will qualify to compete in next year's U19 World Championship.

True Visions will broadcast all matches of both tournaments live and free. Viewers only need to download the True Visions NOW app, sign in, and watch without network restrictions.

Somporn Chaibangyang, President of the Volleyball Association of Thailand, said, "The association continuously prioritizes youth athlete development because we believe that national team success in the future begins with strong development systems today. Hosting these international tournaments is not only an opportunity to elevate Thailand's event standards but also a vital platform to build experience for Thai athletes, sports personnel, and referees."

Air Force Captain Charnrit Wongprasert, Honorary Secretary and Chair of the Volleyball Association of Thailand's executive committee, stated, "This event will host many young female athletes and officials from various countries, marking an important opportunity for Thailand to demonstrate its capability in hosting international sports events, as well as showcase Thai hospitality, readiness, and warmth."

Kanutchon Sricharoen, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, said, "Nakhon Ratchasima is fully prepared, having previously hosted several major volleyball events. Hosting this competition is not only a key opportunity to promote and develop volleyball but also serves as a platform to showcase Nakhon Ratchasima as a Sports City and an international destination for tourism and events. Additionally, it will stimulate the local economy, generate income for businesses, and enhance the province's and Thailand's positive image internationally."

Kriangkrai Wilailak, Assistant Director of Terminal 21 Korat Shopping Center, expressed, "Terminal 21 Korat is proud to support this event, which offers young athletes from various countries a stage to demonstrate their potential and gain international experience. It is also a great opportunity to promote Nakhon Ratchasima's image, boost tourism, stimulate the economy, and invigorate local businesses and communities."

Cheuang Wisutamporn, Senior Sport Program Acquisition, said, "We believe that live sports broadcasts do more than just present competitions; they inspire youth, encourage fan engagement, and provide viewers with close insights into the development of emerging athletes from across the ASEAN region and Asia."