Thailand to host FIVB World Grand Prix Group 1 Finals

The FIVB had earlier held a draw of lots for teams eligible for next year’s World Grand Prix Finals, splitting them into Group 1, 2 and 3, and also choosing host cities for every pool competition. 

Thailand failed to make the cut as one of the host countries for the nine-pool preliminaries.  Instead, they launched a bid to host the Finals, with Japan also in contention.

Much to the delight of TVA officials and fans, Thailand won the bid, which means that the Thai women’s squad will automatically be in the six-team Finals.

Thailand finished ninth in the 2015 edition and are eligible for the Group 1 contest next year. A total of 12 teams have confirmed their entry in the elite Group 1 next year. They are two-time Olympic champions Brazil, defending WGP winners the USA, World Cup winners China, Japan, Russia, Italy, Germany, Serbia, Belgium, Turkey, newlypromoted from Group 2 the Netherlands and Thailand.

These 12 teams have been drawn to contest a nine-pool competition in three weeks (each team playing three pools apiece), with Thailand taking on the USA, Germany and hosts China in Pool A from June 10 to 12. 

Thailand will next play Russia, the Netherlands and hosts Italy in Pool F between June 17 and 19. The Thai squad will next go up against Russia, Serbia and  hosts Serbia in Pool I from June 24 to 26. 

At the end of the three-week preliminaries, the 12 participating teams will be ranked according to their performances and only top five teams plus hosts Thailand will strut their stuff in the Grand Finals, expected to be contested at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok. 

Meanwhile, Thailand will launch an official website of the 2016 World Grand Prix Finals ahead of the competition.