The Iron Ladies

Sporting Witness

In 1996, Thailand watched in awe as the Iron Ladies, a men’s volleyball team made up of gay and trans athletes, triumphed over the country’s best and won the national championships.

Yet despite their outstanding success, none of the team from the northern province of Lampang were selected for the national squad, as the Volleyball Association of Thailand was concerned that they would harm the country’s reputation.

Penny Dale hears from one of the team, Danupol Nuangchang, about the heady events of 1996 and their disappointing aftermath.

A CTVC production for the BBC World Service.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

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