The FIVB Volleyball Women`s World Championship officially commenced in Bangkok with a vibrant opening ceremony at Huamark Indoor Stadium. This event marks a significant historical milestone, as Thailand proudly hosts this prestigious tournament for the very first time.
This 20th edition of the Women`s World Championship also represents a groundbreaking debut for Southeast Asia, as the region welcomes a Volleyball World Championship for the first time in the sport`s history. The opening ceremony was attended by an FIVB delegation, including President Fabio Azevedo, alongside prominent Thai officials such as Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand.
The championship is scheduled to take place from August 22 to September 7, spanning four distinct host cities: Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Each venue is expected to contribute its unique character and atmosphere to the event.
Coinciding with the opening ceremony, the “Volleyball Experience” fan zone was inaugurated at the Sports Authority of Thailand complex, adjacent to Huamark Indoor Stadium. This interactive zone will remain accessible throughout the championship, offering engaging activities for all age groups and fostering a deeper connection between supporters and the sport.
The “Volleyball Experience” provides a unique opportunity for all fans, regardless of whether they hold tickets to the main matches, to engage with volleyball and sitting volleyball. Visitors can test their skills with interactive equipment, participate in games on mini-courts, and immerse themselves in Thailand`s rich cultural heritage.
The inaugural day of the World Championships powerfully underscored the robust partnership between FIVB and Thailand in staging this monumental Women`s World Championship. It also served to highlight Thailand`s fervent passion for volleyball, signifying a new and exciting chapter in the sport`s global development.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood