Thailand’s journey to qualify in the Olympics for the very first time will NOT be easy BUT I really hope that they make it to Tokyo 2020.
Nootsara, Onuma, Pleumjit, Wilavan and Thailand almost qualified in the last 2 Olympics – 2012 and 2016 – but their dream to play in the Olympics bit the dust due to some factors that still haunt their fans up to this day.
2016
2012
Pool A
CEV has revealed the pools for the 2020 Olympic Qualification and the Thai team are up against World Champions Serbia, Poland and Puerto Rico. The pool winner wins an Olympic ticket. From this group, it’s expected Serbia will win and make their 4th consecutive appearance in the Olympic Games.
What happens to Thailand then? The volleyball queens of Southeast Asia have one more shot and that is that at Continental Olympic Qualification Tournaments or COQT. The COQT will take place sometime in early 2020. The winner of this tournament will represent Asia in the Olympics.
Who will be Thailand’s BIGGEST threat at the COQT?
Japan is already qualified as the host.
China is expected to win their pool against Turkey, Germany and the Czech Republic but Turkey will not make it easy for Zhu Ting and team.
The only team left that could possibly give Thailand a tough fight would be South Korea who is led by Kim Yeon Koung. The South Koreans have competed in the last 2 Olympics and finished 4th in 2012.
The last time these 2 Asian teams met was at the 2018 World Championship. Thailand won an epic battle in 5 sets.
Thailand, hope you finally make your Olympic dreams come true. The last 2 attempts to play in the Olympics both ended in heartbreaks, tears and lots of painful memories. Your fans will support you every step of the way!
Women’s Olympic Qualification Pools:
Pool A: Serbia, Puerto Rico, Thailand, Poland
Pool B: China, Turkey, Germany, Czech Republic
Pool C: USA, Argentina, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan
Pool D: Brazil, Dominican Republic, Cameroon, Azerbaijan
Pool E: Russia, Korea, Canada, Mexico
Pool F: The Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Kenya.
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