The Thai spikers, ranked 21st in the world, made a strong start by defeating Egypt 3-1 (25-15, 23-25, 25-15, 25-11) at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok to take 3 points in Group A.
In the first set, the Thai team scored consistently from mid-set to win 25-15. In the second set, however, Egypt fought back strongly to win 25-23 before the Thais regained momentum in the final two sets to secure wins and claim the match victory.
Led by “Coach Oat” Kiattipong Rachatagriangkrai, the starting Thai line-up consisted of Pornpan Kerdprach, Thatdao Nuekjang, Sasipaporn Chantharawisut, Pimpichaya Kokram, Chatchu-on Moksri, Wimonrat Thanaphan and Piyanut Pannoy as libero.
In the other Group A match, the Netherlands defeated Sweden 3-2 (25-27, 25-11, 25-21, 21-25, 15-9).
The official opening ceremony at the Indoor Stadium Huamark was presided over by Surawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, who was joined by: Somporn Usibangyang, President of the Volleyball Association of Thailand; Asst. Prof. Pimol Srivikorn, President of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand; and Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand.
The group games of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship is being hosted by four Thai provinces, namely Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket and Bangkok. All knock-out games and the final will be held in Bangkok and the torunament runs from Aug 22 to Sept 7.
Thamawat Wongcharoenyot, president of Phuket Provincial Sports Association, oversaw the opening ceremony in Phuket last night at the 4,000-seat gymnasium in Saphan Hin prior to the opening match between Cuba and Belgium which the latter won 3-0.
The second game in Phuket last night saw world number one team Italy defeat Slovakia 3-0.
Elsewhere the USA beat Slovenia 3-1 in Nakhon Ratchasima and Brazil defeated Greece 3-0 in Chiang Mai.
Thailand will face Sweden, ranked 26th in the world, in their next match tomorrow (Aug 24) at 8:30pm. The match will be broadcast live on PPTV HD36.