Thailand is feeling the love for Volleyball
In mid-September, Thais flooded to buy tickets for the Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship tournament set in Nakhon Ratchasima. The final game was between Thailand and Japan.
On a rainy Saturday morning, fans formed a long line that stretched kilometers from ticket booths. Some fans decided to stay overnight before the booths even opened.
Scalpers re-sold tickets that sold up to 2,000 baht ($63.87), with the initial ticket prices going for 100 ($3.19) to 200 baht ($6.38).
The Thai team wowed the crowd as they beat Japan 3-0, securing their second Asian title win after their 2009 success.
This was a comeback for the Thai team, whom in which began the Nakhon Ratchasima tournament with a loss against Kazakhstan.
“Some people said we were too old after we lost the first match,” said 29-year-old Thailand captain Wilavan Apinyapong, whose fans nickname him “Gift”, said shortly after the final.
“We proved them wrong, we are strong enough to win more titles.”
Wilavan, named the best player in the team, said that the win was a result of the players and officials’ steadfast focus, work and unity.
“We are united and all are fighters who work hard.”
Back in the semi-finals against China, the Thai team won 3-2, but was utterly worn down afterwards.
“We were exhausted after the semi-final against China,” she said.
“We talked to each other that if our bodies were not strong enough, we would fight with our hearts. At least we had huge support from our fans and we had to pay them back.”
Pleumjit Thinkaow, another one of Thailand’s famous volleyball players, expressed her satisfaction with making her fans and team happy.
“We were in a difficult situation after the Kazakhstan loss but we finally did it for the fans.” Pleumjit said. “We have to thank the fans for their presence at the stadium and watching us on TV. You always give us support at the stadium or at home.”
The Volleyball Association of Thailand (VAT) has set their eyes on participating in the Olympics. “We will try again for the 2016 Olympics. That is our aim,” said VAT president Somporn Chaibangyang.
In mid-September, Thais flooded to buy tickets for the Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship tournament set in Nakhon Ratchasima. The final game was between Thailand and Japan. On a rainy Saturday morning, fans formed a long line that stretched kilometers from ticket booths. Some fans decided to stay overnight before the booths even opened. Scalpers re-sold tickets that sold up to 2,000 baht ($63.87), with the initial ticket prices going for 100 ($3.19) to 200 baht ($6.38). The Thai team wowed the crowd as they beat Japan 3-0, securing their second Asian title win after their 2009 success. This was a...
In mid-September, Thais flooded to buy tickets for the Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship tournament set in Nakhon Ratchasima. The final game was between Thailand and Japan.
On a rainy Saturday morning, fans formed a long line that stretched kilometers from ticket booths. Some fans decided to stay overnight before the booths even opened.
Scalpers re-sold tickets that sold up to 2,000 baht ($63.87), with the initial ticket prices going for 100 ($3.19) to 200 baht ($6.38).
The Thai team wowed the crowd as they beat Japan 3-0, securing their second Asian title win after their 2009 success.
This was a comeback for the Thai team, whom in which began the Nakhon Ratchasima tournament with a loss against Kazakhstan.
“Some people said we were too old after we lost the first match,” said 29-year-old Thailand captain Wilavan Apinyapong, whose fans nickname him “Gift”, said shortly after the final.
“We proved them wrong, we are strong enough to win more titles.”
Wilavan, named the best player in the team, said that the win was a result of the players and officials’ steadfast focus, work and unity.
“We are united and all are fighters who work hard.”
Back in the semi-finals against China, the Thai team won 3-2, but was utterly worn down afterwards.
“We were exhausted after the semi-final against China,” she said.
“We talked to each other that if our bodies were not strong enough, we would fight with our hearts. At least we had huge support from our fans and we had to pay them back.”
Pleumjit Thinkaow, another one of Thailand’s famous volleyball players, expressed her satisfaction with making her fans and team happy.
“We were in a difficult situation after the Kazakhstan loss but we finally did it for the fans.” Pleumjit said. “We have to thank the fans for their presence at the stadium and watching us on TV. You always give us support at the stadium or at home.”
The Volleyball Association of Thailand (VAT) has set their eyes on participating in the Olympics. “We will try again for the 2016 Olympics. That is our aim,” said VAT president Somporn Chaibangyang.
