The annual continental club competitions return to the circuit this year after being cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reports the Bangkok Post.
The two championships are jointly organised by the Tourism and Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), Nakhon Ratchasima province, the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and the Thailand Volleyball Association (TVA).
Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the ministry and other agencies are joining hands to organise the events to prove the country is ready to hold international sports tournaments.
The two championships will be held under the “bubble and seal” measures to ensure safety for athletes and other parties involved, he said.
“Thailand wants the tournaments to show it is ready to open the country, restore confidence among foreigners and boost the economy,” Phiphat told a press conference.
SAT governor Gongsak Yodmani added: “The volleyball championships will prove we are capable of hosting international events during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship is scheduled from Oct 1-7 featuring seven teams from four countries.
In Pool A are Nakhon Ratchasima QminC VC (Thailand), Zhetyssu (Kazakhstan) and Choco Mucho (Philippines), while Pool B features 2019 runners-up and 2020 Thai League champions Supreme Chonburi, Altay (Kazakhstan), Rebisco Philippines and Saipa (Iran).
The men’s event will take place from Oct 8-15 with 10 teams from nine countries.
Pool A comprises of Nakhon Ratchasima QminC VC (Thailand), CEB Sports Club (Sri Lanka), Burevestnik Almaty (Kazakhstan), Kazma Sport Club (Kuwait) and South Gas (Iraq).
Pool B features Sirjan Foulad Iranian, Al-Arabi Sports Club (Qatar), Diamond Food (Thailand), Rebisco Philippines and AGMK (Uzbekistan).