Thailand and China set to dazzle passionate fans in a special exhibition match on August 19 to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations among the two nations
Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Mr Chaiwat Chuenkosum adorns Turkey’s star spiker Ebrar Karakurt with a garland and presents her a souvenir during the team’s arrival in Nakhon Ratchasima on Sunday
Bangkok, Thailand, August 17, 2025 – Following last year’s resounding success in hosting the Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals in Bangkok, Thailand is once again at the heart of world volleyball.
Excitement is reaching fever pitch as teams from across the globe arrive in the Kingdom, ready to showcase their skills and battle for glory at the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship Thailand 2025.
With only four days remaining before the opening whistle, final preparations for the 17-day volleyball extravaganza are nearly complete. The world’s premier women’s volleyball tournament will ignite from August 22 to September 7, bringing electrifying action to four host cities: Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.
A record 32 teams have qualified and been drawn into eight pools of four teams each:
• Pool A: Thailand (hosts), Netherlands, Sweden, Egypt
• Pool B: Italy, Belgium, Cuba, Slovakia
• Pool C: Brazil, Puerto Rico, France, Greece
• Pool D: USA, Czech Republic, Argentina, Slovenia
• Pool E: Turkey, Canada, Bulgaria, Spain
• Pool F: China, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Mexico
• Pool G: Poland, Germany, Kenya, Vietnam
• Pool H: Japan, Serbia, Ukraine, Cameroon
The Pool Phase runs from August 22–27. Bangkok’s 6,000-seat Huamark Indoor Stadium will host Pools A and H, along with the knockout rounds, including the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the finals.
Phuket’s Saphan Hin Municipal Sports Complex will stage Pools B and G; Nakhon Ratchasima’s Chatchai Hall will host Pools D and E; and the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Center will welcome Pools C and F. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the Round of 16 in Bangkok.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17Pn6YjJWZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Teams have already begun arriving in Thailand to acclimatize. Mexico was the first to touch down in Chiang Mai on August 15, followed by Slovakia in Phuket on August 16. Turkey, the USA, China, and Sweden soon followed, with more delegations arriving in the coming days.
Huamark Indoor Stadium
Across the four host cities, final touches are being made. Daily progress reports confirm that competition venues and training facilities are in excellent condition.
Competition venue in Chiang Mai
Court surfaces have been fully laid, lighting and climate systems tested, and equipment including LED installations are on schedule for completion before the opening day.
Chatchai Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima
On August 16, Mr Somporn Chaibangyang, President of the Thailand Volleyball Association (TVA), and Mr Shanrit Wongprasert, AVC Executive Director and TVA Honorary Life President, chaired a comprehensive review meeting with organizing committees from all four host cities.
Training venue in Phuket
With specialized working groups in place, it was concluded that preparations are progressing smoothly and will be completed on schedule, ensuring Thailand is fully ready to welcome the world.
China during their arrival in Thailand on August 16
As a prelude to the Women’s World Championship, Thailand and China will mark 50 years of diplomatic relations with a special women’s volleyball exhibition match on August 19 at Bangkok’s Huamark Indoor Stadium. Volleyball fans will be able to attend the historic encounter free of charge.
https://www.facebook.com/share/19oKFHMc6U/?mibextid=wwXIfr
A press conference announcing the exhibition match was held at the Vassana Room, Golden Tulip Sovereign Hotel Bangkok, with Mr Krisada Tanterdthit, Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, presiding.
The ceremony featured a “Welcome to Thailand” video, the debut of the tournament’s official theme song “Cheering Voices for Champions – To Be the Champion”, and speeches highlighting Thailand’s readiness to host the Women’s World Championship.
Remarks were delivered by TVA President Somporn, while Mr Krisada emphasized the importance of both the Women’s World Championship and the exhibition match.
Ms Pavinee Chaisit, Director of External Affairs of Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, reaffirmed the company’s strong support for the event, and Mr Yang Xiaolong, Cultural Counselor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand, praised Thailand for hosting the global volleyball’s grandest spectacle while celebrating this important milestone in Thai–Chinese relations.
The highlight of the press event was the official introduction of the Thai and Chinese players, followed by a group photo session.
This special exhibition match is more than just a sporting contest. It is a tribute to five decades of enduring friendship between Thailand and China and at the same time, it will serve as a crucial warm-up for both teams ahead of the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship Thailand 2025.
QUICK LINKS
AVC Website: click www.asianvolleyball.net
AVC Facebook: click https://www.facebook.com/avcasianvolleyball
AVC Twitter: click: www.twitter.com/AsianVolleyball
AVC Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/avcvolley/?hl=en
Mikasa Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/mikasasports_official
AVC Youtube: click: Asian Volleyball Confederation
AVC WeChat: Asian Volleyball Confederation
.