TIANJIN, China — Thailand made volleyball history Sunday night, overcoming host China in a gripping five-set final to retain the AVC Women’s Volleyball Continental Championship Tianjin 2026 title and secure the country’s first-ever qualification for the Olympic Games.

The defending champions prevailed 3-2 (25-20, 11-25, 23-25, 25-18, 15-10) before 9,390 spectators at the Tianjin Olympic Center Gymnasium, completing a dramatic comeback from 1-2 down to capture the continental crown and the coveted direct qualification berth for the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

It was a landmark moment for Thai women’s volleyball, turning a long-held Olympic dream into reality on one of the biggest nights in the country’s sporting history.

Thailand made the stronger start, taking the opening set 25-20 before China responded emphatically with a 25-11 second-set victory. The hosts then edged a closely contested third set 25-23, moving within one set of the championship and the Olympic berth.

With their title defense and Olympic dream on the line, Thailand responded.

The defending champions regained their rhythm to take the fourth set 25-18 and force a deciding fifth set. Thailand then delivered when it mattered most, winning the tie-break 15-10 to complete the comeback and spark celebrations after a fiercely contested final. The five sets took 2 hours, 5 minutes of playing time.

Sasipaporn Janthawisut delivered a standout performance for Thailand, leading all scorers with 28 points, including 25 attacks and three service aces. Middle blocker Thatdao Nuekjang produced a major performance at the net with 18 points, including seven blocks, while Chatchu-On Moksri contributed 17 points.

China was led by Wu Mengjie and Zhuang Yushan, who scored 21 points apiece, while Wang Yuanyuan added 10.

The numbers reflected just how closely fought the championship match was. Thailand finished with a narrow 99-98 advantage in total points, with their attacking edge proving crucial. The champions scored 68 points in attack compared with China’s 59, while China held an 11-10 advantage in blocks. Thailand also produced five service aces to China’s four.

Thailand’s championship run was further recognized in the tournament’s Dream Team, led by captain Pornpun Guedpard, who was named Most Valuable Player and Best Setter. Thailand also collected honors through Sasipaporn Janthawisut, named Best Outside Hitter, and Thatdao Nuekjang, selected as Best Middle Blocker.

China’s Zhuang Yushan earned Best Outside Hitter honors, Wang Yuanyuan was named Best Middle Blocker and Wang Mengjie received the Best Libero award, while Japan’s Yukiko Wada completed the Dream Team as Best Opposite.

Thailand’s victory completed a memorable title defense while delivering an even greater prize: a historic ticket to Los Angeles.

As champions of the AVC Women’s Volleyball Continental Championship Tianjin 2026, Thailand earned Asia’s direct qualification place for the LA 2028 Olympic Games, where the country will make its long-awaited Olympic debut in women’s volleyball.

The triumph represents a defining chapter for Thai volleyball — continental champions once again, and now Olympians for the first time.