The Thailand women’s national team suffered a huge blow in their Volleyball Nations League Week 2 campaign after eight of its players tested positive for COVID-19.
First reported by The Nation Thailand, Thailand Volleyball Association president Somporn Chaibangyan confirmed that Pyanut Pannoy, Supattra Pairoj, Watchareeya Nuanjam, and Sutadta Chuewulim were infected before their game against Canada on Tuesday afternoon.
Four more players including Sasipaporn Janthawisut, Natthanicha Jaisaen, Hattaya Bamrungsuk, and Tichakorn Boonlert tested positive after the match.
In an official statement, the FIVB allowed the team to bring in replacement players in light of the situation. The remaining seven participating squads in Pool 4 which are currently seeing action in Manila have all agreed to the special replacement procedure.
The new additions to Thailand’s roster include Wipawee Srithrong, Jarasaporn Bundasak, Kannika Thipachot, Tichaya Boonlert, and Khatthalee Pinsuwan.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Thais won their first game in Week 2 of the VNL via a straight-set sweep over Canada, 25-19, 25-22, 26-24. The team is currently sitting at the third spot of the standings with a 4-1 record.
They will next face Poland (3-2) on June 16, Thursday, at 11:00 AM.
