Tiny but mighty! Statistical breakdown reveals Thailand's U-17 team toppled volleyball giant Poland despite being nearly 30 cm shorter in height and attack reach.
In the aftermath of the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship held in Santiago, Chile, the Thailand women's national volleyball team under 17 stunned spectators by defeating Poland 3-1 in sets. Comparing statistics such as average height, attack reach, and block reach clearly shows Thailand faced a towering European opponent with advantages in every dimension.
Comparison of average statistics between the two teams:
Average age:
Thailand U17: 16.6 years
Poland U17: 16.6 years
Average height:
Thailand U17: 176 centimeters
Poland U17: 182 centimeters (Poland taller by 6 cm)
Average attack reach:
Thailand U17: 264 centimeters
Poland U17: 297 centimeters (Poland superior by 33 cm)
Average block reach:
Thailand U17: 253 centimeters
Poland U17: 282 centimeters (Poland superior by 29 cm)
These figures show Poland’s considerable advantage, especially their average attack reach nearing 3 meters (297 cm), which exceeds Thailand’s average block reach by 44 centimeters. Nonetheless, Thailand’s U17 team used solid defense and more decisive offense to secure the win.
In the quarterfinals, Thailand will face Chinese Taipei on 15 Aug at 04:00 (Thailand time).