Vietnam Women's Volleyball: An Intriguing Newcomer at the World Championship

26/08/2025 06:45:00 sport

August 23 was a special milestone in Vietnamese volleyball history as the women’s national team participated in the Women’s Volleyball World Championship for the first time. This sporting event holds significance beyond the professional scope, marking the long and persistent journey of volleyball in Vietnam.

Among the 32 teams in this year’s tournament, Vietnam is the only newcomer. The qualification of Coach Nguyễn Tuấn Kiệt’s team was secured by finishing fourth in Asia, while Thailand, the top team in the region, participates as the host. According to the latest FIVB rankings, Vietnam is ranked 22nd in the world, ahead of eight other teams also competing.

This achievement is the result of a journey spanning more than three decades. Since the 1990s, volleyball has been one of the leading sports in socializing and organizing international competitions in Vietnam. Alongside this, a sustainable youth training system, especially for the U23 category, was established early. This foundation gradually helped the team assert its position regionally before advancing to the continental and global levels.

The qualification for the World Championship was no coincidence. Previously, Vietnamese women’s volleyball had important milestones: the first victory over Thailand in the Southeast Asian Championship final and twice overcoming South Korea, a long-standing Olympic participant. These wins not only carried spiritual value but also significantly improved their FIVB ranking.

This progress is also reflected in the next generation. Many young players from U23 and U21 competitions have been tested early at the international level. This enables the team to prepare long-term rather than relying on a few standout individuals.

Vietnam’s participation in the world tournament has attracted international media attention. Polish media, Vietnam’s group opponent, described the team as an "interesting and unusual newcomer," due to their rise from near the bottom of the world rankings a few years ago to now competing on the biggest stage.

In their first World Championship appearance, Vietnam’s women’s volleyball team left many positive marks. Photo: HT

Against Poland, a former European champion and one of the leading teams globally, Vietnam entered the match with determination. Coach Nguyễn Tuấn Kiệt’s players surprised by winning the first set with fast-paced play and strong defense. However, differences in fitness and experience prevented them from maintaining the advantage, leading to a 3-1 loss overall.

Despite the defeat, this match made history: it was the first time Vietnamese women’s volleyball won a set at the World Championship. This proved the team’s resilient fighting spirit and courage despite limited high-level international experience.

Polish site Onet stated that Vietnam is a worthy opponent deserving respect and emphasized that this tournament will be an important stepping stone for Vietnamese volleyball to grow stronger in the future.

Making their debut at the World Championship is highly significant for Vietnamese women’s volleyball. It is not only a platform for competition and skill enhancement but also an opportunity to promote a rapidly developing volleyball scene in the region.

Although there are still many challenges and skill gaps compared to top teams, participating in this tournament is already a success. It confirms volleyball as one of Vietnam’s team sports capable of stepping onto the world stage, continuing the achievements of football and futsal in recent years.

In the future, with a more structured youth training system and more comprehensive investment, Vietnamese volleyball has the foundation to maintain its place among Asia’s strong teams and aim for new milestones in upcoming World Championships.

Domestic fans have every reason to be proud of Coach Nguyễn Tuấn Kiệt’s team. Regardless of the results at the 2025 World Championship, the team has already triumphed through spirit and determination.

Every play and match at the Women’s Volleyball World Championship is not only a sports display but also proof of relentless effort and the aspiration of Vietnamese sports to assert itself internationally.

Therefore, the 2025 World Championship becomes a new landmark for Vietnamese volleyball, opening a new journey: one of integration and conquest, based on perseverance and the desire to rise.

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