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5TH SEA V LEAGUE WOMEN’S WEEK 1 SET TO IGNITE VOLLEYBALL PASSION AT TERMINAL 21 KORAT FROM AUGUST 1

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Terminal Hall inside Terminal 21 Korat Shopping Mall turns into battleground as 5th SEA V League fires into action

Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, July 31, 2025 – The stage is set for the thrilling launch of the BYD 5th SEA V League Women’s Week 1, taking place from August 1 to 3 at the vibrant 4,000-seat Terminal Hall inside Terminal 21 Korat Shopping Mall. Southeast Asia’s top four women’s volleyball powerhouses are gearing up for a high-stakes single round-robin showdown, with not only FIVB World Ranking points at stake, but also two coveted berths for the 2026 AVC Women’s Nations Cup.

This year’s SEA V League women’s tournament is split into two exhilarating legs: Week 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, and Week 2 in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, from August 8 to 10. Following the FIVB’s decision to eliminate the Challenger Cup as a pathway to the Volleyball Nations League (VNL), the SEA V League now plays a pivotal role in offering participating teams, excluding Thailand, which are already qualified, a chance to boost their world rankings and position themselves for future inclusion in the VNL.

With Thailand already assured of a spot in next year’s VNL, the top two teams across the two-leg series, excluding the Thai squad, will secure their tickets to the 2026 AVC Women’s Nations Cup. It is important to note that World Ranking points will not be awarded for matches involving Thailand during this year’s SEA V League.

Beyond rankings and qualifications, this tournament offers invaluable preparation for Thailand and Vietnam, both of whom have booked their berths at the upcoming FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025, to be held in Thailand from August 22 to September 7. The SEA V League serves as a perfect final tune-up for the two teams as they refine their tactics and sharpen their form.

All four teams, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and hosts Thailand, have arrived in Nakhon Ratchasima days in advance, ready to reignite regional rivalries. A warm welcome awaited them at the official tournament hotel, Sima Thani Hotel.

On Thursday, referees convened for a comprehensive Referee & VIS Clinic, both theoretical and practical, under the expert guidance of Referee Coach Mr Yul Benosa from the Philippines. The clinic aimed to fine-tune referees’ command of the rules, enhance match control techniques, and familiarize them with potential updates and Challenge System protocols. During practical sessions, officials officiated demonstration matches, sharpening their on-court decision-making ahead of the main event.

Later that evening, key stakeholders including team managers, coaches, doctors, local organizers, Control Committee members, and referees gathered at the Grand Ballroom of Sima Thani Hotel for the General Technical Meeting. The meeting was jointly presided over by Nakhon Ratchasima Deputy Governor Mr Somkiat Wiriyakulnan and Thailand Volleyball Association (TVA) President Mr Somporn Chaibangyang.

Also in attendance were AVC Executive Director and TVA Honorary Secretary General Mr Shanrit Wongprasert, Technical Delegate Mr Somporn Sodthisuporn, Referee Coach Mr Yul Benosa, and TVA Secretary General Mr Nattapong Kesapan.

In their welcoming remarks, Mr Somkiat and Mr Somporn extended their warmest hospitality to the delegations and wished all teams success in both competition and cultural experience during their stay in Thailand. Mr Shanrit underscored the tournament’s significance and reiterated the qualification pathway for the AVC Women’s Nations Cup.

Mr Somporn Sodthisuporn presented the technical overview, covering team compositions, bench allocations, uniform assignments, court positioning, and Mixed Zone procedures.

Referee Coach Mr Benosa followed with an outline of officiating regulations, match protocols, Challenge System usage, and other key refereeing matters.

Following the meeting, participants took the opportunity to capture both group and individual photographs in a friendly, celebratory atmosphere.

The day concluded with the official opening ceremony and welcome dinner, presided over by Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Mr Chaiwat Chuenkosum, Deputy Governor Mr Somkiat, and TVA President Mr Somporn.

In a dazzling ceremony at the Oraphim Room, athletes proudly paraded behind country signs and national flags before stepping onto the stage.

The Governor extended a warm welcome and, alongside the other dignitaries, launched the tournament with a ceremonial paper shoot.

Each team received plaques and souvenirs from the Governor and TVA President.

Guests were then treated to a traditional Thai dance performance and dinner in a festive atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration.

As the competition approaches, the four teams are eager to showcase their skills and determination.

World No.50 Indonesia are aiming for redemption after a disappointing fifth-place finish at this year’s AVC Women’s Nations Cup in Hanoi.

With star opposite Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi back in the lineup, the squad looks poised for a resurgence.

World No.47 Philippines, silver medallists at the AVC Nations Cup, arrived in Nakhon Ratchasima with high hopes.

Led by standouts Angel Anne Canino (Best Outside Spiker), Dell Palomata (Best Middle Blocker), and Julia Melissa de Guzman (Best Setter), the team are brimming with talent and confidence.

Vietnam, ranked No.27 in the world, continue to be a rising force in the region, claiming three consecutive AVC Nations Cup titles: 2023 (Indonesia), 2024 (Philippines), and 2025 (Vietnam).

After five silver medals in previous SEA V League editions, Vietnam now look to strike gold, spearheaded by veteran captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and the powerful Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen. Both were instrumental in Vietnam’s Nations Cup triumph, with Tran named Best Outside Hitter and Nguyen earning both Best Opposite and MVP honors.

Host nation Thailand, ranked 20th globally and Southeast Asia’s lone VNL competitor since 2019, return with a formidable squad aiming for an eighth consecutive SEA V League crown. With stalwarts Pimpichaya Kokram, Ajcharaporn Kongyot, Pornpun Gurdpard, and Thatdao Nuekjang leading the charge, Thailand are determined to defend their dominance on home soil.

The Week 1 action gets underway on August 1 at 13:30 local time, with Vietnam clashing with Indonesia in the opening match. Hosts Thailand will then face off against the Philippines at 17:00, setting the tone for an electrifying weekend of top-tier volleyball.