NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand — China successfully defended their crown in commanding fashion, defeating Korea in straight sets, 25-23, 25-16, 25-16, to capture the AVC Girls’ U18 Championship 2026 title on Tuesday at Terminal 21 Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
The victory earned China their sixth AVC Girls’ U18 Championship title and reaffirmed their status as one of Asia’s dominant forces in youth volleyball.
After a closely contested opening set, China raised their level on both ends of the court, controlling the next two sets with disciplined blocking, aggressive serving, and efficient attacking to complete the victory in just one hour and 19 minutes.
Middle blocker Jingyu Si starred for the champions with 17 points, highlighted by an outstanding nine blocks, five attacks, and three service aces. Outside hitter Sichen Ren added 16 points on 13 attacks and three blocks to power China’s offense.
Korea was led by outside hitter Boram Kim, who scored 10 points, while Hojeong Yun and Eunah Shin contributed nine and eight points, respectively.
Earlier in the day, host Thailand delighted the home crowd by rallying past Japan in five thrilling sets, 14-25, 25-21, 25-19, 23-25, 15-12, to secure the bronze medal.
Natchaya Tahae spearheaded Thailand with 22 points, including 15 attacks, five aces, and two blocks, while Japan’s Rio Nishimura delivered a match-high 26 points in the two-hour and 25-minute contest.
With their semifinal finishes, China, Korea, Thailand, and Japan secured Asia’s four qualification spots for the 2027 FIVB Girls’ U19 World Championship, with the host nation yet to be announced by the FIVB.
In the classification matches, the Philippines concluded its campaign on a high note by defeating Chinese Taipei, 25-20, 25-20, 25-21, to finish ninth—an improvement from its 10th-place result in the 2024 edition, also held in Thailand.
Ma. Ellanie Lorraine Gonzalvo led the Philippines with 15 points, while Sharina Rhyza Lleses added 11 points and Jhaynna Love Bulandres contributed 10. Chinese Taipei was paced by Huei-Shan Chang with 14 points and Chia-Chen Wu with 12.
Elsewhere on the final day, Vietnam defeated Kazakhstan in straight sets to finish fifth, Indonesia overcame Mongolia for seventh place, Hong Kong, China outlasted Iran in five sets to claim 11th, Australia swept Uzbekistan for 13th, and Kyrgyzstan defeated India to secure 15th place.
The successful conclusion of the AVC Girls’ U18 Championship 2026 once again highlighted the depth of emerging talent across the continent, with Asia’s next generation of volleyball stars taking another significant step toward the international stage.
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