Bangkok, Thailand, March 30, 2023 – Three years down memory lane, Mr Kij Pluckcha-oom, a loyal and distinguished member of the Volleyball Family and Honorary President of the Thailand Volleyball Association (TVA), passed away peacefully. Though time flies over us and leaves its shadow behind, the late Mr Kij remained fondly remembered and his dedication to sports and volleyball in particular will never be forgotten.
On Thursday, TVA and Grand Sport Group jointly held “In Remembrance of Kij,” a ceremony to honor and pay tribute to the memory and legacy of Mr Kij, himself founder of the Grand Sport Group, a sports equipment manufacturing company based in Thailand which has been a long-standing sponsor of both TVA and Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC), at The Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel Bangkok on March 30, 2023, a three-year anniversary of his death.
TVA President Mr Somporn
Mr Kij had devoted much of his life to the development of sports in Thailand, Asia and Oceania, apart from being a key figure in facilitating the growth of volleyball in Thailand. Through his leadership and significant efforts, TVA became one of the most accomplished sports associations in the country.
AVC Secretary General Mr Shanrit speaks in good memory of Mr Kij
Mr Kij had played a vital role in leading TVA to the global reputation not only by sending Thailand teams to major international volleyball competitions but also hosting several world-class events including the World Grand Prix Finals and Underage World Championships. Furthermore, he has been regarded as one of the key men behind the success of TVA and the Thailand national teams. He had been team manager of the Thailand women’s national squad in several tournaments including the FIVB World Grand Prix.
Attending the Thursday’s ceremony were a large number of the Thailand Volleyball Family including TVA President Mr Somporn Chaibangyang, the Thailand’s former and current women’s national volleyball teams, staff coaches, TVA executive members and officials as well as AVC Executive Director Mr Shanrit Wongprasert, himself AVC Honorary Life Vice President and TVA Honorary President, AVC Secretary General Mr Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai, AVC General Manager Dr Rueangsak Siriphol, Prof Charoen Wattanasin and Dr Supitr Samahito, both of them Vice Presidents of National Olympic Committee of Thailand.
Prim Intawong, former Thailand women’s national team setter, and AVC Secretary General Mr Kiattipong
Earlier, the monk blessing ceremony took place early Thursday morning at the hotel, followed by the guest registration and the gathering of those invited. Video on Mr Kij’s life and work had been displayed on the big screen in front of all distinguished guests.
After that, TVA President Mr Somporn stepped onto the stage and spoke about Mr Kij’s dedication and his good inspiring words. Representatives from TVA, other sports organizations, Thailand’s former national players and his family members also took turns coming onstage to share their points of view in good memory of Mr Kij.
In his impromptu speech, TVA President Mr Somporn said, “In his heyday, Mr Kij was widely acclaimed and highly honored as he had brought tremendous benefits to Thailand. Young generation should follow in the footsteps of success of Mr Kij in terms of family leadership, accomplished businessman and his tireless dedication to sports in Thailand. Mr Kij has already passed away, but his good deeds remained with him. We will always remember Mr Kij in our hearts.”
Dr Chai Nimakorn, himself Director of FIVB Development Center in Thailand
Grand Sport Group Chairman of Board of Directors Dr Chai Nimakorn, on behalf of the Group and Mr Kij’s family, expressed his sincere thanks to all distinguished guests for joining the ceremony.
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