Bangkok, Thailand, April 25, 2016 – Thailand is ready to host the 2016 FIVB World Grand Prix Finals and the organisers held a press conference on Monday to review their readiness as hosts of the women’s premier volleyball competition.
The meeting took place in Bangkok with Sports Authority of Thailand’s Governor Sakol Wannapong and Somporn Chaibangyang, President of the Thailand Volleyball Association, jointly presiding.
Also in attendance were Thai head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai and national team players; Dr. Varin Tansupasiri, deputy secretary-general of the Olympic Committee of Thailand; Borisut Buranasamrit, Public Relations Managing Director at Bangkok Entertainment, the Host TV Broadcaster; and Suthon Komolsen from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
The FIVB World Grand Prix Finals are scheduled to be held from July 6 to 10 at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium inside the Sports Authority of Thailand Sports Complex. The top five teams from the three-week preliminaries plus hosts Thailand will contest the Bangkok Finals.
In his speech to the meeting attendants, TVA President Somporn said: “I can confirm to all of you that Thailand is now ready to host the 2016 FIVB World Grand Prix Finals from July 6 to 10.”
OCT Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Varin commented: “As the FIVB gave Thailand the green light to host the World Grand Prix Finals, regarded as one of the world’s volleyball spectacles, I think it’s a proof that our country has the potential and readiness to host any world-class competition.”
Thai head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai spoke of the reasons why Pleumjit Thinkaow has replaced Wilavan Apinyapong as team captain. Wilavan had been the team captain for around 10 years.
“Our coaches and all the team players have unanimously agreed with the change,” Kiattipong stated. “However, it’s not just the matter of the change, but we [the coaches] want to give a chance to any potential senior player who can handle this heavy responsibility. Despite the change, Wilavan still plays an important role in guiding the team, while the main responsibility will belong to Pleumjit.
“I think the Finals will be a daunting challenge for our team. Those playing in the Finals will be very strong sides with incredible performances and amazing tactics. We just have to come out and prove our talent against them. I believe that my team will do our best in front of our home crowd. Without doubt, it will turn out to be a great show no-one should miss.”
High-profile setter Nootsara Tomkom added: “I don’t know how much the other teams have trained in preparation for the World Grand Prix Finals here in Bangkok, but I know one thing, Thailand will come out with their best form this time. We fear no team.”