The Vietnam women's volleyball team will not train abroad, deciding to 'close the doors for training' to win the SEA Games gold medal.

21/10/2025 12:31:00 sport

Unable to travel to Japan for training as originally planned, the Vietnam women's volleyball team has chosen Quang Ninh as their main training base during the final preparation stage for SEA Games 33 in Thailand. The whole team sets the highest target: to win the gold medal and break Thailand's dominance that has lasted for over twenty years.

Vietnam women's volleyball team cancels their training plan in Japan.

According to Mr. Le Tri Truong, Secretary General of the Vietnam Volleyball Federation (VFV), the training plan in Japan was canceled because it overlapped with the Japanese National Championship, making it impossible for the team to find suitable opponents for practice matches.

In response, the coaching staff actively searched for a domestic location with climate conditions similar to Thailand – the host country of SEA Games 33. However, many contacted centers reported that their facilities were insufficient. Finally, Quang Ninh – which has previously hosted multiple training camps and national competitions – was chosen as the main training site.

At this location, the team will focus on physical conditioning, testing tactics, and internal scrimmages to keep their competitive edge, especially as most domestic clubs are resting after the 2024 season. Therefore, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet summoned up to 20 athletes – a larger number than usual – to divide the squad for internal matches, ensuring high professional standards.

According to the schedule, the Vietnam women's team will gather starting October 25, training in Quang Ninh for about two months before heading to Thailand for the SEA Games.

Two key players, Tran Thi Thanh Thuy (outside hitter) and Tran Thi Bich Thuy (middle blocker), are currently competing in the Japanese Championship but will return to join the team at the end of December. Both are expected to be important tactical anchors, especially since they are among the few Vietnamese athletes playing at the top Asian professional level.

Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Tran Thi Bich Thuy (middle blocker) will rejoin the team by the end of December.

Besides familiar players like Doan Thi Lam Oanh, Nguyen Khanh Dang, Vi Thi Nhu Quynh, and Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet also offers chances to a number of rising stars from the recent national championship: Pham Quynh Huong, Hoang Hong Hanh, Le Nhu Anh, Nguyen Phuong Quynh, Le Thuy Linh, Ha Kieu Vy… This is seen as a "youthful breeze" that promises to bring fresh momentum to the team.

Meanwhile, the return of experienced veterans such as Dang Thi Kim Thanh, Doan Thi Xuan, and Luu Thi Hue adds stability to the squad. Notably, Kim Thanh recently helped VTV Binh Dien Long An club successfully defend their national championship title after beating host Ninh Binh on October 16. Her outstanding form is the reason the coaching staff decided to recall her.

Awaiting the final roster and the SEA Games 33 group stage battle.

The Vietnam women's volleyball team's goal at SEA Games 33 is to win the gold medal, something never achieved before in their history. To fulfill this dream, the team must overcome the "mountain" of Thailand – the team that has dominated regional volleyball for over 20 years.

At SEA V.League 2025, Vietnam lost to Thailand in the first leg final but later won in the second leg, indicating the gap between the two teams is narrowing. However, experts still believe Thailand has greater squad depth and superior tactical organization.

Nevertheless, if Vietnam's key players perform well and the younger generation continues to improve, the possibility of creating a historic achievement is entirely feasible.

Before departing for Thailand, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet will reduce the squad to 14 official players. According to the latest group draw, Vietnam is placed in group B with Indonesia, Myanmar, and Malaysia – a group considered manageable, providing a good chance to reach the semifinals. Meanwhile, group A consists of Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore.

If they perform at their best, Vietnam can advance far, potentially facing Thailand again in the final – where the SEA Games gold medal dream is more alive than ever.

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