For the first time, the Hanoi men's volleyball team has brought in a foreign player, signing outside hitter Kuon Mom to boost their strength for the second stage of the 2025 National Championship.

The Hanoi men's volleyball team debuted their first foreign player in preparation for the second phase of the 2025 National Championship. The chosen player is outside hitter Kuon Mom, a Cambodian national team member, standing 1.98 meters tall and known for his powerful play style.

According to Mr. Bui Dinh Loi, Head of Volleyball at the Hanoi Sports Training and Competition Center and also Vice President and General Secretary of the Hanoi Volleyball Federation, the contract with Kuon Mom was carefully considered to provide a quality addition to the roster. This marks the first time in history that the Hanoi men's volleyball team has had a foreign player in the National Championship.

Previously, Kuon Mom gained experience playing in Vietnam with Long An during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He is regarded as a key attacker for the Cambodian national team and is expected to help the Hanoi men's team significantly improve their inconsistent results from recent seasons.

In phase 1, the capital's team lost all five matches and finished at the bottom of the standings, forcing them to make a strong effort in phase 2 to secure their place in the league.

The Hanoi men's team’s ability to recruit a foreign player comes from social funding sources after the Hanoi Volleyball Federation was officially established in August 2025, resolving the long-standing financial difficulties. This move aligns with the federation leadership’s five-year plan to bring Hanoi volleyball back into the top three teams in the national league.

Besides newcomer Kuon Mom, Hanoi’s domestic lineup still features notable players. Outside hitter Nguyen Xuan Duc was called up to the national team in 2025 but missed out due to injury. Veteran middle blocker Vu Ngoc Hoang will return after recovery, promising to strengthen the blocking line. Additionally, young talents like Tien Cong, Minh Quyen, Van Chuong, and Duc Quang are expected to bring breakthroughs in play for the capital’s team.

According to the plan, Kuon Mom will join Hanoi’s squad starting September 20. The capital team will have two remaining group matches against The Cong Tan Cang and Tay Ninh in phase 2. This is a crucial chance for coach Nguyen Huu Truong and his team to turn things around and avoid relegation.