Thailand confirms the loss of their key star, as the Vietnam women's volleyball team dreams of gold at the SEA Games

06/11/2025 15:06:00 pandatv

The head coach of Thailand’s women’s volleyball team, Mr. Kiattipong Rachatakeangkrai, has personally confirmed that star player Dolporn Sinpho will be unable to participate in SEA Games 33.

"Nong" Dolporn Sinpho is one of the most beloved figures in Thai women's volleyball, known for her exceptional talent, fiery competitive spirit, and intelligent style of play. Unfortunately, the 21-year-old star recently received bad news: she will miss SEA Games 33, which will be held in Thailand, due to a knee injury sustained while competing in Japan.

According to the latest confirmation from coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai, who serves as both technical chairman and head coach of the Thai women's volleyball team, Dolporn Sinpho will be unable to participate in SEA Games 33 due to a left knee injury sustained during a match at the 2025/26 Japan Championship (SV League).

The injury happened during last weekend’s match when her club, Alumnmare Kanazawa, lost 0-3 to Kariya Quincies. Medical experts indicate that this injury requires a long recovery period, making it impossible for her to return in time for the SEA Games, which Thailand is hosting.

"This is very unfortunate. Dolporn Sinpho is one of the young players we had hoped would play a key role at the SEA Games. However, given the current circumstances, she certainly will not recover in time," Coach Kiattipong stated.

Dolporn Sinpho suffered a knee injury while playing for her club in Japan.

Dolporn Sinpho, nicknamed "Nong," was born on June 21, 2004, in Khon Kaen, Thailand, and stands 175 cm tall. She first gained prominence during elementary school, helping her Ban Kud Chiang Samat school team win the Air Force Radio Tournament championship, which led to her selection into Nakhon Nonthaburi Wittaya 6 Sports School, a renowned institution that has produced many top athletes in the country.

At age 16, Dolporn Sinpho joined the 3BB Nakhon Nonthaburi club and quickly established her talent, earning a call-up to Thailand’s U18 team for the 2021 World Championship in Mexico, helping the team reach the round of 16 and finishing 11th in the world.

Later, she transitioned from outside hitter to setter, a role demanding high tactical thinking and strategic coordination. Although she temporarily filled this position due to teammates contracting COVID-19, Dolporn Sinpho made a strong impression with her game reading and excellent tempo control.

In 2024, she played a major role in helping the Thai team win the SEA V.League, achieving eight consecutive victories across two stages held in Vietnam and Thailand.

Alongside the news of Dolporn Sinpho’s injury, Coach Kiattipong also provided updates on the Thai women’s volleyball team’s preparations for SEA Games 33:

"The SEA Games is always an important competition. Despite missing some key players, our goal remains to maintain our position as the top team in Southeast Asia. Players currently competing overseas will return to join the squad shortly before the event, and I believe they will quickly reintegrate thanks to their rich playing experience."

In addition to indoor volleyball, Thailand’s women’s beach volleyball team is also aiming to win gold, while the men’s team is striving to reach the final at SEA Games 33.

The loss of Thailand’s key star in the women’s volleyball team also presents an opportunity for Vietnam’s women’s volleyball squad. Currently, under Coach Tuấn Kiệt, the team is training hard with the ambition to win their first-ever women’s volleyball gold medal at the SEA Games.

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