Vietnamese women's volleyball storms ahead, ready to dethrone Thailand?
Never before have Thanh Thúy and her teammates confronted Thailand with such high determination and confidence, supported by their growth and significant professional advancements.
Thus, Vietnamese women's volleyball is anticipated to seize the throne from the Thais on their own soil.
Overcoming the "tragedy"
Since the 1995 SEA Games, when women's volleyball was first added to the competition, Thailand immediately won the championship with complete dominance. Vietnamese women's volleyball, however, experienced the "tragedy" of losing all 11 finals against Thailand.
Vietnamese women's volleyball began competing from the 2001 SEA Games, the edition when the sport returned steadily after its absence in Brunei. At that time, under Coach Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng, the team performed excellently, especially a remarkable comeback against the Philippines in the semifinals to reach the final against Thailand. Nevertheless, facing an overwhelmingly strong opponent, the Vietnam team nearly gave up and quickly lost 0-3.
From then until the 2015 SEA Games, Vietnamese women's volleyball continuously appeared in SEA Games finals, facing only Thailand. However, 8 finals meant 8 defeats, with clear disparities in gameplay, scores, and fighting spirit. At the 2017 SEA Games, Ngọc Hoa and her teammates did not make the final, so Vietnam did not lose to Thailand and only secured the bronze medal.
At the 2019 SEA Games, Vietnam returned to the final to face Thailand again but accepted another 0-3 loss. Afterwards, there were two more finals, also defeats, in the last two SEA Games editions. Under various coaches and different generations, Vietnamese women's volleyball has suffered 11 final losses against Thailand, including 8 consecutive defeats, winning a total of only 3 sets.
In those finals, Thailand always displayed a superior level compared to Vietnam, and their victories were hardly surprising. However, what deeply troubles experts and fans is the sense of helplessness, even despair, in chasing Thailand.
The Vietnamese women's volleyball team is prepared to overthrow Thailand's top position right in Bangkok. PHOTO: Minh Quyết - TTXVN
Support from continental and global arenas
A major reason stems from Vietnamese women's volleyball having placed too much emphasis on the SEA Games, haunted by the belief that Thailand is an unbeatable default opponent. Meanwhile, positive results like 4th place at the 2012 Asian Cup or 6th at the 2018 Asian Games could have been crucial hints for the sport’s long-term development.
It was only in 2023 that those responsible truly committed to change, seeking breakthroughs by first adjusting goals, investment methods, and national team organization. The team was given long-term focus, maximizing opportunities to participate in many quality international tournaments, gaining experience against opponents of various levels and styles. The national team is no longer "tied" to the SEA Games, where Thailand still reigns supreme.
In this very year, the team achieved remarkable feats with two Asian Cup titles, two slots at world-class tournaments within two months, and an impressive debut at the FIVB Challenge.
Notably, at SEA Games 32, Coach Nguyễn Tuấn Kiệt’s team played the best final match, a regrettable but commendable loss to the Thai national team. In fact, if Vietnam had taken advantage of their chances and had a bit more luck to win the third set when the score was 1-1, Thailand could have been dethroned.
Over the past two years, the team has continued to develop remarkably in all aspects, peaking by qualifying for the world championship, ranking 4th in Asia, and culminating with a historic victory over Thailand in the second leg of the SEA V.League two months ago.
Captain Thanh Thúy, who declared this as the "most important match of her career," is at her highest readiness and will surely play a decisive role in both gameplay and the match outcome.
Never before has the expectation for Vietnamese women's volleyball been this "great." Nor has a SEA Games final ever been this "intense," with meticulous planning, thorough preparation, and clear concerns from the Thai side—all stemming from Vietnamese volleyball’s progress.
Vietnamese women's volleyball has overcome the "fear" of Thailand
Facing Thailand in the 12th final, it is clear the Vietnamese women's volleyball team has overcome the fatal obsession and inherent fear to be ready for a fair fight driven by a burning desire for the gold medal. In reality, Coach Nguyễn Tuấn Kiệt’s players may still be considered weaker in strength, squad depth, experience, and resilience, especially missing the "dinosaur" Bích Tuyền. However, these gaps are fully bridgeable by the Vietnamese team, which also holds the psychological advantage of being "on the offense" and "fearless of losing."
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