Thailand makes history: Asian champions, clinch Olympic 2028 berth

I still feel the exact sensation of jumping to my feet in the stands of the arena in China as I watched Piyanut Pannoy – captain of the Thai women's volleyball team – embrace the Asian championship trophy for the first time in history. At 60 years old, I still leap like the 17-year-old girl I once was in the stands at Lach Tray. "A 60-year-old fan can still sprint 100 meters after a goal, that's me." – my familiar saying echoed in my head. But this time, it wasn't a goal, but a historic victory of Southeast Asian women's volleyball over the two giants, China and Japan. I have followed Asian women's volleyball for over 40 years, and I have never witnessed such a huge shock. The 2026 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship concluded with an outcome few dared to dream of. Thailand – a team not placed among the pre-tournament title contenders – successively defeated Japan 3-1 in the semifinals and host China 3-2 in a thrilling final. This victory not only brought home a prestigious gold medal but also secured Thailand a direct berth to the 2028 Olympics – the first time in the country's volleyball history. Meanwhile, Vietnam with new coach Nguyễn Tuấn Kiệt finished the tournament in 7th place, far exceeding expectations, with promising performances from young players. Iran – a West Asian team – also caused a shock by reaching the semifinals, finishing 4th overall. This is the first time in tournament history that all three Southeast Asian teams (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia) made it to the knockout stage, signaling the region's rise. Thailand's victory is not a miracle. It is the pinnacle of a tactical system built over more than a decade under the guidance of head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai. The fast, varied offensive style – a hallmark of Asian volleyball – was executed by Thailand to near perfection. They lack the height advantage of China, lack the pure speed of Japan, but compensate with cohesion, experience, and excellent game reading. I have witnessed many Asian teams fail trying to imitate the power style of Europe, but Thailand remained faithful to their identity. In the semifinal against Japan, Thailand showed remarkable tactical adaptability. They did not get drawn into a speed race with their opponent, but deliberately slowed the tempo, capitalizing on second and third tempo attacks with the seamless coordination of veteran players. The 3-1 result does not fully reflect the struggle, but it demonstrates the composure of a team that has played together for decades. Particularly, Thailand's defense and digging were highlights. They neutralized Japan's powerful spikes with patience and proper positioning. In the final against China, the challenge was even greater. The hosts had home-court advantage, a balanced lineup with many tall players. But Thailand was not overwhelmed by the opponent's strength and height. They countered with solid defense, precise digging, and especially calmness in crucial moments. The match stretched to 5 sets, and in the fifth set, Thailand's experience spoke. They won 15-13, closing one of the most dramatic finals in tournament history. I remember telling a colleague once: "Beer with Brazilian colleagues, the next morning asking the juniors for the recording." – but here, I don't need a recording, because I've memorized every moment of this match. The key point is that Thailand was never suppressed by China's height and power. They proved that the fast, varied style can still win when executed with high precision and cohesion. This is a great lesson for Southeast Asian teams, including Vietnam. As for Vietnam, 7th place with new coach Nguyễn Tuấn Kiệt is a positive signal. Young players were given opportunities and gained valuable experience. Though not yet able to compete with the top group, the progress is clear. I remember telling a colleague: "Over 5,000 viewers watching the livestream of three former players, I am no longer alone." – and now, I see a whole new generation growing. Vietnam needs to learn from Thailand in building the next generation and maintaining a tactical philosophy. Coach Nguyễn Tuấn Kiệt is on the right track by giving opportunities to young talents, but needs more time and patience. Iran is also a notable story. They reached the semifinals with fiery play, but lacked experience in decisive moments. However, 4th place is a great success for West Asian women's volleyball. But beware of the victory hangover. The 3-2 win over China shows the gap between Thailand and Asia's top group is very narrow. If China had capitalized on a few more chances in the fifth set, the story would have been different. Thailand won thanks to grit and experience, but their squad is aging. By the 2028 Olympics, will they still be competitive? I have seen many teams rise and fall because they failed to rejuvenate in time. "The World Cup in Russia taught me this: sometimes forgetting your task is the longest way to remember your profession." – but for Thailand, they cannot afford to forget the task of rejuvenation. Another perspective: China failed at home despite having a stronger squad. This could lead to reactive changes – replacing the coach, shaking up the lineup – causing instability ahead of the 2027 World Championship. Meanwhile, Iran's semifinal run is a notable signal, but is it a sustainable rise or just a one-time luck? I lean towards caution. As for Vietnam, 7th place is good, but without systematic investment, we could stagnate. This tournament shows Asian women's volleyball entering a multipolar era. Thailand has broken the China-Japan duopoly. Iran is emerging. Vietnam is on the right track. But to truly compete, we need to learn from Thailand: build a clear tactical system, invest in the younger generation, and be patient with the process. I still believe, at 60, I will witness many more historic moments of Vietnamese women's volleyball. And I will still leap in the stands, as I have done for 40 years. "At 60, I still think I am the girl jumping in the stands at Lach Tray." – and that will never change. Asian women's volleyball has turned a new page, and I am proud to have witnessed it.