Khon Kaen University (KKU) has dispatched its women’s volleyball team from the KKU Volleyball Academy, competing under the name “Thailand Queens,” as the sole representative from Thailand to the international 6th Tiger Cup 2026 Volleyball Tournament. The competition will take place in Nepal from 23 to 31 January 2026, marking a significant step for the university’s athletes to prove their potential on the global arena.
Associate Professor Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization at Khon Kaen University, disclosed that the team’s recent successes—including securing the runner-up position in the “Madame Louise Volleyball Thailand League” 2024–2025 season, and the contribution of two core players who helped LALITPUR QUEENS secure the runner-up title in the previous season—have consistently brought the Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen Star Volleyball Club international recognition.
Most recently, RUPSE SPORTS, a leading sports company in Nepal, formally invited the KKU team to participate in the 6th Tiger Cup National and International Club Championship (Women’s/Men’s) Volleyball Tournament 2026. RUPSE SPORTS will provide comprehensive support for travel, logistics, and accommodation throughout the competition. Competing under the name “Thailand Queens,” their involvement reflects the strong confidence placed in the capacity and potential of Thai volleyball athletes.
Associate Professor Pensri explained that due to the senior team having numerous commitments in the domestic league, the club decided to send the amateur team drawn from the KKU Volleyball Academy. This squad consists primarily of first and second-year university students who excel in volleyball. They are supported by two senior players, who will serve as key attackers and setters during the tournament.
The 12 athletes traveling to the competition represent the rising stars and future hope of Isan (Northeastern) volleyball. They have undergone rigorous selection and continuous intensive training, receiving technical advice from national-level coaches. This preparation included systematic opponent analysis, strategic planning, and simulated competition scenarios against male players. The Vice President expressed high confidence that the “Thailand Queens” team, the only representative from Thailand, will deliver an outstanding performance in this tournament.
The Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization further noted that participating in this international competition is crucial for developing the athletes’ potential and serves as a sustainable mechanism for cultivating new sports talent. This aligns with Khon Kaen University’s strategic direction to become a standard sports hub, particularly for volleyball, by establishing systemic management across the entire spectrum—from upstream talent identification to downstream professional development. This approach ensures that gifted athletes have equitable access to education, progressing seamlessly from youth level to university athlete, amateur player, and ultimately, to professional status.
The squad includes Nitchakorn Phoh-la, Aimorn Pimkod, Pawornwan Khamsuk, Pathsuwan Onduang, Sassilda Wongwan, Wimonphan Namfang, Narumon Santhampol, Pathitta Naksompoy, Chanaphorn Phangwiang, Yaowapa Panyabut, Phattiya Juangchan, and Sawettata Luephookhiew. Ms. Saimai Pladsri-chuay serves as the Head Coach, responsible for managing the game, planning strategies, and overseeing the team’s readiness throughout the tournament.
The “Thailand Queens” will compete against five leading teams from Nepal, participating in the tournament under the standards set by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB).
Khon Kaen University invites all Thai citizens and KKU staff and students to send their encouragement and support to the “Thailand Queens.” The university wishes the athletes success in every point, urging them to compete with full potential and stand proudly on the international sports stage as Isan athletes, bringing honour to the nation and Khon Kaen University between 23 and 31 January 2026 in Nepal.
