Clear Goals: Somporn Reveals Thailand Women's Volleyball Targets for 2026 Asian Games, Emphasizes Message to Athletes
On 4 September 2026, Somporn Chaibangyang, president of the Volleyball Association of Thailand, saw off the Thailand women's national volleyball team as they departed for a training camp in Saga, Japan, from 4 to 13 September 2026.
The Thailand women's volleyball team is preparing to compete at the 2026 Asian Games from 16 to 22 September in Nagoya, Japan, with a large crowd of Thai volleyball fans gathering to send off the players.
The president of the Volleyball Association of Thailand said, "Saga wanted Thailand to come for training, and I think this camp is a good opportunity. Our athletes will be able to acclimate to the atmosphere in Japan."
"We will train with Saga Hisamitsu Springs, last year’s Japanese league champions. This is beneficial as it will enhance our team's capabilities and foster good volleyball relations, since Thailand and Japan are like friends in the volleyball community."
"As for the 2026 Asian Games, public expectations are understandably high, but I believe all our athletes will maintain their standards. Everyone remains determined to pursue their dream, just as they did when going to the Olympics."
"We have never won a gold medal at the Asian Games before. Usually, we don't pressure the athletes to win, but this time I told them they must aim for the championship to make history, just as we said before the Asian Championship that we must win to qualify for the Olympics."
16 September 2026: Thailand vs Mongolia
17 September 2026: Thailand vs Kyrgyzstan
18 September 2026: Thailand vs Chinese Taipei