In the match against Kuanysh VC (Kazakhstan) in the group stage of the 2024 Asian Women's Club Volleyball Championship, striker Onuma Sittirak left a strong impression when scoring 31 points for the home team Nakhon Ratchasima (Thailand).
Then, in the final match of the group stage against Duc Giang Lao Cai Chemicals (Vietnam), Onuma continued to score 15 points, tied with Tran Tu Linh for 4th place in the match statistics list.
At the age of 38, the 1986-born player is still playing volleyball consistently, being one of the important pillars of the Nakhon Ratchasima club. At the 2024 Asian Women's Club Volleyball Championship, the Thai athlete proved her role, moving all over the court from offense to defense.
Currently, Onuma Sittirak still maintains good physical strength and a strong playing style. It seems that practicing sports since childhood has helped the 1986-born player maintain good health.
Onuma once shared that, in fact, she started athletics at the age of 6. Thanks to athletics, she later pursued a sports career.
“I was born in Surat Thani province, Thailand. When I was young, I thought about becoming a teacher, a doctor, or maybe a soldier. Because these jobs have a stable income and can help the family.
But after four years of athletics, when I was 10 years old, I fell in love with volleyball. I saw players traveling all over the country to play volleyball, which encouraged me to switch to volleyball. I liked the idea because I wanted to be different," Onuma once revealed to Thai media.
In 2006, Onuma Sittirak was given the opportunity to play for the Thai national team after many years of trying and won her first title. Not only did she win a gold medal, she also became the “Most Valuable Player” at the Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship.
Continuing to shine in the national team's jersey, Onuma has won other achievements such as: 2012 Asian Cup gold medal, 2014 Asian Games bronze medal, 2018 Asian Games silver medal, 6 SEA Games gold medals...
Not only playing football in Thailand, Onuma Sittirak also tried his hand at many international clubs in Türkiye, Switzerland, Russia, Azerbaijan, Japan and Vietnam.
Notably, in the period 2007 - 2008, the main striker born in 1986 played for Quang Ninh club in the Vietnam National Volleyball Championship. Or most recently, the former Thai player played for Kinh Bac Bac Ninh and Thai Binh clubs.
Although he is 38 years old, Onuma Sittirak still maintains his perseverance thanks to his serious working spirit, strong mentality and constant training.
The Nakhon Ratchasima spiker believes volleyball gives her strength: "This sport has changed my life. I have great colleagues and I have a great job. I wouldn't be able to have a good life if there was no volleyball in my life."
