Kingdom ready to face champions Italy
The Thai women are ready for a tough assignment against defending champions Italy in their opening match in the Volleyball Nations League in Turkey today.
The match starts at 9pm, Thai time, and will be shown live on Channel 7.
The Thais will also meet Canada, Poland and South Korea in the first week in Antalya.
Last year, Thailand made history as they entered the top-eight tournament for the first time.
They are aiming to repeat and surpass that milestone by qualifying for the finals in Arlington, Texas.
World No.15 Thailand are fresh from winning the SEA Games gold medal in Cambodia earlier this month.
It was the country’s 14th successive title and 16th overall in the event.
Veteran Piyanut Pannoy made her debut as captain, replacing Pornpun Guedpard who missed the SEA Games due to injury.
Setter Pornpun has returned but Piyanut remains captain.
“I am very happy to be captain,” said the 33-year-old libero, the most experienced player in the squad.
“I will use my experience to help the team get ready for the VNL. It’s an honour for us to face defending champions Italy in our first match.
“We know their players and how they play. I will do my best and have fun.”
Her teammates in the first week include Pornpun, Ajcharaporn Kongyot, Chatchu-on Moksri, Pimpichaya Kokram, Thatdao Nuekjang and Hattaya Bamrungsuk.
“We reached the final eight team round last year. We have to keep that standard and try to do better,” said Chatchu-on.
Coach Danai Sriwacharamaytakul said his players are ready for the 2023 VNL.
“The Nations League is a big tournament and we must be ready for it,” said Danai.
“Our preparations are at satisfactory levels. We have trained after we won the SEA Games.”
After three weeks, the top eight sides will advance to the finals, scheduled for July12-16.
In the second week in Brasilia from June 14-18, Thailand meet Germany, the USA, Serbia and Croatia.
In the third week in Bangkok from June 27-July 2, the Thais face the Netherlands, Turkey, Japan and Brazil.