Khon Kaen University Elevates Youth Volleyball Development Stage in the Northeast with KKU Volleyball Challenge 2026 Closing Ceremony

13 March 2026
20:18

Khon Kaen University officially held the closing ceremony of the KKU Volleyball Challenge 2026 on March 11, 2026, at the KKU Volleyball Academy Training Center, Physical Education Building, Khon Kaen University. This followed six days of competition from March 6 – 11, 2026, which saw enthusiastic participation from young female volleyball athletes from various schools in the Northeastern region.
The closing ceremony was filled with an atmosphere of pride for the athletes, coaches, parents, and supporters. Assoc. Prof. Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D, Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization, Khon Kaen University, presided over the ceremony, presenting awards to the winning teams and offering words of encouragement to all participating athletes. Additionally, milk products were distributed to athletes from every participating school to support nutrition and promote the health of young athletes.

Developing Youth Through the KKU Volleyball Academy

Assistant Professor Dr. Komgrit Chantaraseana, Chairman of the Subcommittee for Competition Management, reported that this competition is part of the KKU Volleyball Academy project, which Khon Kaen University initiated in 2023. The project aims to systematically develop female volleyball players in the Northeast by integrating sports skill development, physical fitness, psychological well-being, and sports science principles alongside the education system.

The KKU Volleyball Challenge 2026 was organized as a platform for young athletes to develop their potential, gain competition experience, and build a network for volleyball development in the region. The competition was divided into two age groups:

Under 12 years old
Under 18 years old A total of 20 schools from several provinces in the Northeast participated in the competition.

Under 18 Age Group (12 schools):

Nong Ruea Wittaya School, Khon Kaen Province
Sports School Municipality 2 Wat Sawang Khongkha, Kalasin Province
Sarakham Pittayakom School, Maha Sarakham Province
Municipality 1 Sawang Wittaya School, Nong Khai Province
Phandon Wittaya School, Udon Thani Province
Pak Thong Chai Prachaniramit School, Nakhon Ratchasima Province
Sports School Roi Et Municipality, Roi Et Province
Warinchamrap School, Ubon Ratchathani Province
Udon Pattanakarn School, Udon Thani Province
Suranaree Wittaya School, Nakhon Ratchasima Province
Phon School, Khon Kaen Province
Rachinuthit 2 School, Udon Thani Province

Under 12 Age Group (8 schools):

Ban Kut Chiang Mi School, Khon Kaen Province
Ban Nong Kham Saeng School, Maha Sarakham Province
Lao Kueang Non Sieo Wittaya School, Kalasin Province
Chumchon Bua Ban Samakkee School, Chaiyaphum Province
Anuban OrBorTor Khlong Kham School, Kalasin Province
Ban Champa Sirirat School, Sakon Nakhon Province
Anuban Lamplai Mas School, Buriram Province
Ban Rat Pattana School, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Thanks to Partners Supporting Youth Sports Development

On this occasion, Assoc. Prof. Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D, thanked all supporting agencies, especially AIA Co., Ltd. and Tien Phuoc Manufacturing and Trading Co., Ltd., for their support in developing volleyball through the KKU Volleyball Academy project. She also praised all participating athletes, emphasizing that “sports competitions are not just about winning or losing. They are a process that molds young people to learn discipline, responsibility, respect for rules, teamwork, and sportsmanship. These are all crucial foundations for growing into quality citizens of society.

KKU Volleyball Challenge 2026 Competition Results

Under 12 Age Group

Champion: Awarded 10,000 Baht and trophy.
- Anuban Lamplai Mas School, Buriram Province
First Runner-up: Awarded 8,000 Baht and trophy.
- Ban Kut Chiang Mi School, Khon Kaen Province
Second Runner-up: Awarded 5,000 Baht and trophy.
- Ban Champa Sirirat School, Sakon Nakhon Province
Third Runner-up: Awarded 3,000 Baht and trophy.
- Chumchon Bua Ban Samakkee School, Chaiyaphum Province

Under 18 Age Group

Champion: Awarded 10,000 Baht and trophy.
- Warinchamrap School, Ubon Ratchathani Province
First Runner-up: Awarded 8,000 Baht and trophy.
- Sports School Municipality 2 Wat Sawang Khongkha, Kalasin Province
Second Runner-up: Awarded 5,000 Baht and trophy.
- Suranaree Wittaya School, Nakhon Ratchasima Province
Third Runner-up: Awarded 3,000 Baht and trophy.
- Sarakham Pittayakom School, Maha Sarakham Province

Outstanding Player Awards (Individual Awards)

Under 12 Age Group

Best Outside Hitter 1: D.N. Duangruthai Kharakhanjai, Ban Rat Pattana School
Best Outside Hitter 2: D.N. Napat Pimchuea, Anuban Lamplai Mas School
Best Opposite Hitter: D.N. Chanitnan Saleepan, Ban Kut Chiang Mi School
Best Middle Blocker 1: D.N. Punyapha Lewis, Anuban Lamplai Mas School
Best Middle Blocker 2: D.N. Nattapatch Suangfia, Ban Kut Chiang Mi School
Best Setter: D.N. Nattahweewan Siripitchayakarn, Anuban Lamplai Mas School
Best Libero: D.N. Worada Treekul, Anuban Lamplai Mas School
MVP: D.N. Naratchaporn Pinlad, Anuban Lamplai Mas School

Under 18 Age Group

Best Outside Hitter 1: Ms. Saisuda Putthong, Warinchamrap School
Best Outside Hitter 2: Ms. Kunanya Siripratum, Sports School Municipality 2 Wat Sawang Khongkha
Best Opposite Hitter: Ms. Sarutaya Janjumpa, Sports School Municipality 2 Wat Sawang Khongkha
Best Middle Blocker 1: Ms. Boonyaporn Phanya, Warinchamrap School
Best Middle Blocker 2: Ms. Sutthilnan Kuiaraphanau, Suranaree Wittaya School
Best Setter: Ms. Kanokporn Janthirach, Warinchamrap School
Best Libero: Ms. Thidawal Sonwong, Warinchamrap School
MVP: Ms. Nararat Srisawat, Warinchamrap School

Moving Forward in Sports Development for the Future

The KKU Volleyball Challenge 2026 marks another significant step for Khon Kaen University in establishing a systematic youth volleyball development system in the Northeastern region, based on the integrated concept of “Sports, Education, and Sports Science.” This competition not only provided an opportunity for youth to showcase their potential but also built a network of sports development cooperation among educational institutions in the region. This will serve as a crucial foundation for pushing athletes to higher levels in the future.

Assoc. Prof. Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D, officially declared the KKU Volleyball Challenge 2026 closed, amidst the pride of all athletes and participants.