"Coach Ott" highlights three key factors the Thai women's volleyball team must focus on before facing China in the 2026 Asian Games semifinals.
On 21 September 2026, Coach Ott Kiattipong Ratchatkriangkrai, head coach of the Thai women's national volleyball team, shared insights on preparations before facing China in the 2026 Asian Games women's volleyball semifinals in Aichi, Japan.
The Thai women's volleyball team, ranked 13th in the world, will face China, ranked 7th, again after recently defeating them 3-2 in the 2026 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship final, securing the title and a historic first qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.
However, Coach Ott emphasized that every encounter with China is by no means easy. The Thai women's volleyball team must be fully prepared physically, technically, and mentally to aim for victory and advance to the 2026 Asian Games gold medal final as planned.
Coach Ott said, "We have to prepare for the final four teams' matches. This is an important game, and we need to check the athletes' physical conditions as some are still a bit tight."
"This match is tough. I believe China is a world-class team with high playing quality. I see they still have the edge over us. It won't be easy to beat China, but we must be fully ready and complete in every aspect — especially physically, technically, and mentally. We must do our best."
"I hope all the athletes will give their full effort. The coaches will support them. Our coaching staff has been working hard to plan for the competition."
The 2026 Asian Games women's volleyball semifinals, Thailand vs. China, will take place today at 14:00, live on PPTV HD 36 and the AIS PLAY application.
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