2006 Men’s World Championship - Thailand
High level of World Championship Volleyball no problem for Thailand (FIVB)
05/03/2005
Bangkok, Thailand, May 3, 2005 – Despite a height disadvantage Thailand are fully confident of finishing in the top two of the Men’s World Championship first round tournament (Asia Pool B) in Ratchaburi from May 20-22 and advancing to the next round.

Thailand will play Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and the Maldives with the winner advancing to a second round group consisting of India, China and another first round team in India in June while the runner’s up will head to Iran to play the hosts, Australia and another first round team, which is still to be confirmed.

Thailand coach Sophon Panulawan revealed recently that after the completion of the recent Thailand National Division A Championship in Kampaeng Phet, a total of 12 players who showed their exceptional form in the tournament were called to join his team.

On April 15, the team started their training in the Sports Authority of Thailand in Bangkok, practising intensively in preparation for the forthcoming World Championship tournament.

“Understanding that an uphill task awaits us in the tournament, we are training much harder, emphasising on ball-serving and spiking tactics,” Panulawan. “Since the opposition are quite certain of having a height advantage over our boys, we then have to improve on our blocking and defence.”

According to the head coach, most of his players are highly-experienced, taking part in several major competitions including the Asian Games, the SEA Games and the annual Pan Pacific meet in Japan.

“I think we train hard because our hopes are high in the tournament. To finish in the top two is not an easy mission. We have to ensure our preparation is the best-ever to make sure our target of finishing in the top two can be within our reach.

“I told my boys to emphasize on teamwork and coordination between the setter Pongsakorn and the spikers. We hope that by using that strategy, we will earn several points in each match. In addition, they were also told not to produce unforced errors, especially on their serves. Our preparation has been progressing systematically and I’m convinced that we have enough ability to finish in the top two in the tournament.

“My boys are now fit physically and no one suffers any injury. We decided not to send them for any overseas matches since the World Championship tournament is upcoming. Instead, we will give them more chances learning special tactics here on home soil.

"Playing at home will boost our confidence. As local enthusiasts will turn up to cheer on their players, I think my boys will give their all to make their fans' dreams a reality. The dream is out there, we just have to show some guts against our foes."
(Released by FIVB)