GREAT EXPECTATIONS FOR THE MEN'S TEAM
In the context of Singapore's men's table tennis team rejuvenating its force, Thailand and Malaysia lacking in consistency, this is a valuable opportunity for the Vietnamese men's table tennis team to compete fairly in men's singles, men's doubles, especially men's team events.
Eight years ago, at the 29th SEA Games in 2017 in Malaysia, the Vietnamese men's table tennis team unexpectedly defeated the mighty Singapore and won the men's team gold medal. This historic victory was of great significance, helping Vietnamese players gain more confidence when facing Singaporean players, and from there, Vietnamese table tennis won gold medals in three consecutive SEA Games.
Dinh Anh Hoang (right) and the men's table tennis team promise to shine.
PHOTO: VTTF
Tennis player Dinh Quang Linh, who participated in the victory over Singapore 8 years ago, now comes to SEA Games 33 as a coach. The remaining 3 athletes, Nguyen Anh Tu, Nguyen Duc Tuan, and Doan Ba Tuan Anh, will continue to compete in Thailand this time. The experience of the above trio, along with the talent of "young general" Dinh Anh Hoang, is the basis for Vietnamese table tennis to create an explosion. In 2025, Anh Hoang will affirm his position as the number 1 table tennis player in Vietnam by winning all three gold medals in men's singles, men's doubles, and men's team at the national championship, then being crowned the best players of the country. Having the opportunity to compete in a number of international tournaments, as well as having an important training trip in China before returning to attend SEA Games 33, helps Anh Hoang and his teammates feel more confident in hunting for gold in Thailand. In addition to the men's events, Anh Hoang also aims to defend the gold medal in mixed doubles that he and Tran Mai Ngoc won 2 years ago in Cambodia.
HOANG MY TRANG RETURNS AT AGE 37
Remember before the 31st SEA Games in 2022, Mai Hoang My Trang, although called up to the national team, proactively withdrew, giving her place to younger players. It was thought that the player who had won the national championship more than 10 times would retire from her peak career to switch to coaching, but her table tennis career made her continue to compete and won the championship of the best players this year at the age of 37. She also decided to return to contribute to Vietnamese table tennis at the 33rd SEA Games, alongside junior players Nguyen Khoa Dieu Khanh, Tran Mai Ngoc, Nguyen Thi Nga, and Bui Ngoc Lan.
Singapore and Thailand are still the two countries with the strongest female forces in Southeast Asia. Therefore, My Trang and her teammates face a big challenge when competing in women's events. Dieu Khanh is a Vietnamese female tennis player with impressive skills and is also the number 1 hope at SEA Games 33. In 2025, this tennis player will compete internationally in Kazakhstan, Laos, and Thailand, thereby accumulating more battle experience. Dieu Khanh has a clear goal of competing in women's singles. Meanwhile, My Trang is expected to promote her experience and competitive spirit to compete in team events, women's doubles, and mixed doubles.
The Vietnamese table tennis team, led by head coach Vu Van Trung and two former players Dinh Quang Linh and Phan Huy Hoang, will participate in the 33rd SEA Games. The team will leave for Thailand on December 10 and compete from December 12 to 19.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bong-ban-viet-nam-da-chin-muoi-185251203210643851.htm
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