1st Asian University Women’s Volleyball Championship: Finals and Closing

Golden Girls Team Thailand

The 1st Asian University Women’s Volleyball Championship was officially closed on October 11th, 2009. Ms. Taya Teepsuwan, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, presided over the closing ceremony on October 11, 2009 at the Gymnasium 2, Bangkok Youth Centre (Thai-Japan), Bangkok, Thailand. The championship was co-hosted by Bangkok University, Office of the Higher Education Commission, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Volleyball association of Thailand. Tokens of appreciation were presented to all co-hosted by the Senior Vice President of AUSF, Dr. Chung Tong Gu.

The gold medals went to Thailand while China and Mongolia grabbed the silver and bronze medals home, respectively. Mongolian players, Ms. Ganbold Tsetsegjargal and Purevjav Buyanjargal were awarded the best scorer and best server, respectively. Chinese players, Ms. Xi Zenghui and Ms. Zhao Shuihan, were awarded the best blocker and best setter. Ms. Chan Eu Eu won the juries and audiences’ hearts and took back home the award for the best libero. Thai player, Ms. Jutarat Montripila, was awarded the best spiker. The most valuable player award went to Ms. Tapaphaipun Chaisri (no. 19) of Thailand.

A volunteer with the mascot

Bronze Medal Game

Mongolia and Hong Kong pulled off the finals with much fire and enthusiasm at noon. The fast playing Hong Kong team looked as if they would take the first set away but the Mongolians beat them with 25 versus 20 points. Although the second set was only a little easier for Mongolia it looked as if the October 6 match against each other was going to repeat itself, as in the third set Hong Kong came out strongly and was clearly determined to win that one, but ending in 27-25 for Mongolia.

It has been surprising to many to see the Mongolia team come out so strong over the past days. They had actually cancelled their participation just 3 days before the start of the games and then did finally arrive late on the first day of the Championship. Today they have attained a very worthy 3rd place. Congratulations. Even the match for the 3rd place was very exciting and highly entertaining. (25-20, 25-17, 27-25.)

Gold Medal Game

The final match, between Thailand and China brought some extra tension as Thailand, who did not lose one single game throughout the games, was expected to win. And win they did. In fact, China did only a little better today compared to their October 6 game against Thailand. It was an easy game for Thailand and a very well deserved 1st place as they have been unbeatable throughout the Championship. They are the Champions! China takes a well deserved 2nd place. (25-16, 25-16, 25-15.)

All 7 teams from China, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Laos, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand have shown what the volleyball game is all about; their skills and enthusiasm have inspired the audience and sports people alike. And even those teams who did not win and did not make it to the finals kept their sports spirit high.

The 1st Asian University Women’s Volleyball Championship 2009 has done the pioneering work for university women in Asia and will find continuation for many years to come, inspiring students to enter the world of regional volleyball competition in the spirit of true sportsmanship and friendship.

The final matches and closing ceremony, witnessed by full-house audiences, were broadcasted live on True Visions Sports Channel.

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Ms. Taya Teepsuwan, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, receives a AUSF souvenir plaque

Malaysia vs. China

Mongolia vs. Hong Kong

Thailand vs. China