Khon Kaen University Joins Hands with Private Sector, Signs MOU to Support “KKU Volleyball Academy” and Launches KKU Volleyball Challenge 2026 to Elevate Northeastern Women's Volleyball

Khon Kaen University Joins Hands with Private Sector, Signs MOU to Support “KKU Volleyball Academy” and Launches KKU Volleyball Challenge 2026 to Elevate Northeastern Women’s Volleyball

9 March 2026
11:59

Khon Kaen University (KKU) has partnered with the private sector to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in support of the “KKU Volleyball Academy” project. This initiative aims to systematically develop the potential of young female volleyball players in the Northeastern region. Concurrently, KKU officially launched the “KKU Volleyball Challenge 2026,” bringing together 20 schools from across the Northeast to create a platform for athlete development toward national and international levels.

On March 6, 2026, at the KKU Volleyball Academy Training Center in the Khon Kaen University Gymnasium building, Khon Kaen University held the MOU signing ceremony with AIA Company Limited and Tian Fuak Manufacturing and Trading Co., Ltd. to support the KKU Volleyball Academy project. The official opening ceremony of the KKU Volleyball Challenge 2026 was also held.

The ceremony took place between 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM, with spirited participation from university executives, private sector representatives, school administrators, athletes, and media.

The KKU Volleyball Academy project, which began in 2023, aims to systematically and comprehensively develop female volleyball players in the Northeastern region. This includes enhancing sports skills, physical fitness, mental strength, and applying sports science, alongside educational development from primary and secondary to higher education levels.

In this collaboration:

Tian Fuak Manufacturing and Trading Co., Ltd. has committed 500,000 Baht over two years, along with sports equipment and related resources.
AIA Company Limited has committed 300,000 Baht over one year.

The objective of this partnership is to create a sustainable sports development system, providing opportunities for athletes to develop their potential and advance to regional, national, and international competitions, while also strengthening Khon Kaen University’s image of sporting excellence.

Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, stated that this collaboration between the university and the private sector reflects their shared determination to systematically support and develop the potential of young female athletes in sports, as well as to stably grow volleyball in the region.

Following the MOU signing ceremony, the KKU Volleyball Challenge 2026 was officially opened. The competition will be held from March 6 – 11, 2026, at the KKU Volleyball Academy Training Center in the Khon Kaen University Gymnasium building.

The competition is divided into two age categories:

Under 12 years old (U12)
Under 18 years old (U18)

A total of 20 schools from various provinces in the Northeastern region are participating.

For the Under 18 years old (U18) category, there are 12 schools: Nong Rua Wittaya School (Khon Kaen), Sports School of Municipality 2 Wat Sawang Khongkha (Kalasin), Sarakham Pittayakom School (Maha Sarakham), Municipality 1 Sawang Wittaya School (Nong Khai), Phan Don Wittaya School (Udon Thani), Pak Chong Chai Prachaniramit School (Nakhon Ratchasima), Roi Et Municipality Sports School (Roi Et), Warin Chamrap School (Ubon Ratchathani), Udon Phatthanakan School (Udon Thani), Suranaree Wittaya School (Nakhon Ratchasima), Phon School (Khon Kaen), and Ratchinuthit 2 School (Udon Thani).

For the Under 12 years old (U12) category, there are 8 schools: Ban Kut Chiang Mi School (Khon Kaen), Ban Nong Kham Saebeng School (Maha Sarakham), Lao Khueng Non Siao Wittaya School (Kalasin), Chumchon Buaban Samakkhi School (Chaiyaphum), Anuban OborTor Khlong Kham School (Kalasin), Ban Champa Sirirat School (Sakon Nakhon), Anuban Lam Plai Mat School (Buriram), and Ban Rat Phatthana School (Nakhon Ratchasima).

Creating a Platform for Athlete Development and Sports Network in the Region

This competition not only focuses on results but also aims to create experiences for young athletes, instill sportsmanship, and build cooperation networks among educational institutions in the region. Additionally, the project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5: Gender Equality, by concretely supporting the roles and potential development of girls and women in sports.

This collaboration between Khon Kaen University and the private sector represents another significant step in developing the women’s volleyball system in the Northeast, moving towards becoming a model for integrated sports development and laying the foundation for a “University of Sports Excellence” in the future.