Recently, President of the Thai Volleyball Federation - Mr. Somporn Chaibangyang - revealed that this unit is discussing with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) about applying gender testing at the 2025 World Championship.
"We are concerned about female athletes with gender or male chrysanthemums competing in the women's playground. However, with the current regulations, not many people take this issue seriously. We have to let the people with real authority, such as the health department of AVC or FIVB, decide this.
We have information that they also have a similar view on gender testing. The professional department will be responsible for this issue," said Mr. Somporn.
There has been much controversy surrounding the gender issue of the athletes involved. However, the World Volleyball Federation has not yet had clear regulations on this matter.
If approved by FIVB, the 2025 World Volleyball Championship will become the first high-level tournament to apply an official gender check-up procedure, which could set a precedent for further international tournaments.
In the second phase of the 2025 SEA V.League, the star of Thai women's volleyball - Pimpichaya once caused outrage when she mocked Bich Tuyen with the comment "I am a woman" in a post. This statement sparked debate about the respect and professionalism of athletes.
