Thailand Hosts Asian Korfball4 Championship, Sends U21 To World Finals
Thailand will host the Asian Korfball4 Championships in July 2026, with six countries competing, while the Thai U21 team prepares to compete in the World Championship in Malaysia later that month.
On July 8, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suprani Khuanbunchanthorn, president of the Thai Korfball Association, and Prof. Dr. Cholawitya Chearjit, rector of Srinakharinwirot University, announced that Thailand will host the IKF U19, U16, and U14 Asia Korfball4 Championships 2026 from July 26-31, 2026 at Srinakharinwirot University's demonstration school, Prasanmit branch, covering both secondary and primary divisions. Prof. Dr. Cholawitya Chearjit welcomed media and distinguished guests, noting the importance of the university and association signing a cooperation agreement on academics, research, and sports. This partnership represents a significant step in collaboration between educational institutions and sports organizations to develop knowledge, conduct research, produce and develop personnel, and promote sustainable korfball growth at youth, higher education, and international levels.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suprani Khuanbunchanthorn outlined Thailand's selection by the International Korfball Federation (IKF) to host the championship, emphasizing Thailand's readiness to welcome the Asian Korfball Federation president, athletes, officials, administrators, and over 300 international referees from 6 countries. She thanked Srinakharinwirot University and its demonstration school for providing the competition venues. Six countries will participate: China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand. The opening ceremony is scheduled for July 26, 2026 at 8:30 AM, and the closing ceremony for July 31, 2026 at approximately 4:00 PM.
Beyond hosting this championship, the association is also sending a U21 team to compete in the IKF U21 World Korfball Championship 2026, taking place August 8-16, 2026 in Malaysia. Thai athletes previously qualified through Asia-Oceania regional selection last year, where six countries were chosen for the world championship. Thailand successfully advanced. The association continues developing the sport through this academic and sports cooperation agreement, aiming to expand korfball research and development at all levels. Association president Dr. Suprani expressed hope that this collaboration would benefit the association and generate increased korfball research. The Thai national team has already begun training with support from North Bangkok University, and team manager Dr. Netrathai Wongupracha, vice president of the Thai Korfball Association, discussed the team's readiness.
