This news surprises volleyball supporters as outside hitter Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen is expected to miss the rest of the 2025 National Volleyball Championship.
According to SGGP, the Ninh Binh women's volleyball team will almost certainly not include Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen in the official list of 14 players for the second phase of the 2025 National Volleyball Championship, scheduled from October 7 to 16 in Ninh Binh. The player born in 2000 will likely serve only as an assistant coach.
Recently, during training sessions, Bich Tuyen has experienced abdominal muscle pain, a recurring injury that has prevented her from reaching optimal physical condition. This is the main reason the coaching staff is considering using the key player in a non-playing role. The final roster will be confirmed by head coach Thai Thanh Tung at the technical meeting on October 6.
In Phase 1 held in April, Bich Tuyen participated in all five matches, helping Ninh Binh achieve a perfect record and top the women's rankings. In Phase 2, the team will face two direct competitors, Thong Tin - Dong Bac and Ho Chi Minh City, to secure a semifinal spot. Without Bich Tuyen in the attack lineup, maintaining Ninh Binh's leading position will be a significant challenge.
Her absence from the domestic league also raises concerns among fans about Bich Tuyen's chances of being selected for the Vietnam women's national volleyball team. The National Championship is considered a crucial platform for the national team coaches, led by Nguyen Tuan Kiet, to assess performance and select players for the upcoming training phase at the end of October.
In 2025, Bich Tuyen has represented Vietnam at the AVC Nations Cup, VTV Cup, and SEA V.League. However, she unexpectedly withdrew from the recent World Championship.
With consistent performance as an outside hitter over several seasons, Bich Tuyen remains one of the most promising players. Therefore, the decision not to register her for Phase 2 of the 2025 National Championship affects not only Ninh Binh's goals but also the national team’s long-term plans.