Tiajin, Aug. 30 -- Thailand edged China 3-2 in a back-and-forth final of the 2026 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship here on Sunday, claiming the continental title and securingthe country's first-ever Olympic berth in women's volleyball.
Thailand took the opening set 25-20 before China hit back to win the next two 25-11 and 25-23. Thailand then forced a decider with a 25-18 fourth-set win and held its nerve in the fifth to sealthe match 15-10.
The victory gave Thailand its fourth Asian Championship title. Its previous triumph came in 2023, when it also defeated China in the final. China remains the most successful team in tournament history with 13 titles.
Thailand had never previously qualified for the Olympic women's volleyball tour...