Thailand to Host Asian Beach Volleyball Invitation
Beach spikers from 15 countries will test their mettle in the "Phatthalung - Loma Sangsom" Asian Beach Volleyball Invitation from April 9 to 11 at Saensuk Lampam Beach, Phatthalung.
Somkual Rawirat, secretary-general of the Thailand Volleyball Association, said in the recent press conference that the three-day tournament will be held with the main objectives of promoting the sport among local enthusiasts and raising the standard of the Asian players.
"I hope that this tournament will serve as the stepping stone of our Asian players to be pitted against much stronger players in the major future competitions," Somkual said.
Also attending the meeting were Prateep Kongruang, clerk of the Phatthalung Municipality, TVA'S advisor Kij Prukcha-oom and TVA'S executive member Shanrit Wongprasert.
A total of 46 teams including 26 men's will participate in the invitational tournament. The participating teams comprise Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Thailand.
The host side will send six teams including three each in the men's and women's categories. The last year's South East Asian Games champions Kamolthip Kulna and Yupha Phukrongploy will lead the Thai assault. Their closest rivals are likely to be Chinese and Australian players. Japan did not take part this time.