Kazakhstan's women's volleyball team concluded the group stage of the Asian Championship in Tianjin, China, with a 1:3 loss to Thailand (22:25, 16:25, 25:23, 11:25), reports infohub.kz.
The tournament opener was disappointing for the Kazakhstani team, as they sensationally lost to Indonesia 0:3. That defeat meant they had to win their remaining two matches. They handled Australia confidently, winning 3:0. However, they could not cope with the reigning Asian champions.
In the first set, which was closely contested, Kazakhstan lost at the end – 22:25. The second set also went to the opponents – 16:25. In the third, our volleyball players managed to pull ahead – 12:8, 18:14, but the Thais leveled the score at 22:22. In a tense finish, the Kazakhstani women showed character and clinched the set 25:23, handing the continental champions their first defeat of the tournament.
The fourth set started badly: the Thais took an early lead – 3:9. The comeback attempt failed, and at the end Kazakhstan's game fell apart – 11:25.
The top scorer for our team was again opposite hitter Tatyana Nikitina, who scored 15 points (12 in attack, 3 in block). Central blocker Polina Ufimtseva added 12 points, and captain and outside hitter Kristina Belova contributed 10. For the Thai team, Jantawisut Sasipapron and Kokram Pimpichaya each scored 20 points.
Despite two losses in three matches, Kazakhstan still has a chance to reach the quarterfinals. Their fate depends on the result of the Indonesia vs. Australia match. If Indonesia wins, Kazakhstan will finish third in the group. Not only the top two teams from each group advance to the playoffs, but also the two best third-placed teams.
In Group A, tournament hosts China are leading confidently. In Group C, Japan is ahead, with Vietnam and South Korea battling for second place.
The Asian Women's Volleyball Championship is being held for the 23rd time. The winner will earn a spot at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. All medalists will secure a place at the 2027 World Championship, which will be held in Canada and the United States.
The first women's Asian Championship took place in Australia in 1975. Since then, the podium has been consistently occupied by teams from China, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea. Only once did Kazakhstan break into this list: in 2005, our girls became vice-champions, losing to the hosts China in the final – 0:3.
At the previous Asian Championship in 2023, held in Thailand, Kazakhstan finished fifth.