Is the list of Vietnamese women's volleyball players reasonable?

The list of 14 athletes of the Vietnamese women's volleyball team participating in the 33rd SEA Games was announced a few days ago. However, the controversy is still quite "hot".

Bui Thi Anh Thao had the opportunity to participate in the SEA Games when she was only 16 years old - Photo: FIVB

The 14 girls selected by coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet to go to Thailand include Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, Vi Thi Nhu Quynh, Nguyen Thi Uyen, Bui Thi Anh Thao (attacker), Dang Thi Kim Thanh, Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh (opposite setter), Tran Thi Bich Thuy, Nguyen Thi Trinh, Le Thanh Thuy, Luu Thi Hue (middle blocker), Doan Thi Lam Oanh, Vo Thi Kim Thoa (setter) and Nguyen Khanh Dang, Le Thi Yen (libero).

Why Anh Thao?

The name mentioned most on volleyball forums is not the stars, but the young striker Bui Thi Anh Thao. At only 16 years old, she has already earned a place at the SEA Games, so it is inevitable that she will attract attention.

Many people expressed regret for Hoang Hong Hanh - who played well for Duc Giang Lao Cai Chemicals last season. In addition, the elimination of Pham Quynh Huong (Information Corps) also caused curiosity because she was considered the "little Thanh Thuy" of Vietnamese volleyball.

Over the past year, Hong Hanh and Quynh Huong have continuously appeared in newspapers and volleyball forums. Meanwhile, Anh Thao has been less prominent. But that does not mean that she is less capable than her two seniors.

A volleyball expert shared: "Perhaps because Quynh Huong and Hong Hanh play for big teams, they get more attention. Meanwhile, Anh Thao, although wearing the LPBank Ninh Binh shirt, only plays a reserve role. It was not until she returned to her home club, Hanoi, in the National A League, that she showed her true ability to help the team win a ticket to play in the National Championship.

In addition, shining in the National Championship cannot 100% guarantee a place to attend the SEA Games. During the past month of training, I believe the coaching staff has carefully evaluated her performance and suitability in terms of playing style before choosing Anh Thao."

In addition to playing well in domestic tournaments, Anh Thao also shined in the U21 Vietnam team at the 2025 U21 Women's Volleyball World Cup. Therefore, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet and his colleagues may be making long-term plans for this 2009-born athlete.

Good news from Bich Thuy, Thanh Thuy

Among the 14 athletes called up to participate in the 33rd SEA Games, there are 2 who are competing in Japan. One of them is the captain, striker Tran Thi Thanh Thuy - who has continuously shone in the colors of Gunma Green Wings Club in the Japanese Championship (SV-League) for over a month.

The other player is middle blocker Tran Thi Bich Thuy. Although she arrived in Japan early, she only played 2 matches for Okayama Seagulls last weekend. The long absence from the field has made it difficult for the 2000-born player to get into the rhythm.

But in the end, she still had moments to shine, helping her team get 1 win, 1 loss against the same opponent, Denso Airybees. This is definitely good news for domestic fans, because there were concerns about Bich Thuy's current form when she rarely played.

The problem for the Vietnamese women's volleyball team now is how to help Thanh Thuy and Bich Thuy get used to the team's rhythm. The duo will not be able to join the team until December 2, while the team will play their first match at the 33rd SEA Games on December 10.

Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet once shared: "That will be a complicated problem, because these two athletes have too little time to assemble tactics. However, with their experience competing abroad, I hope they will soon adapt to the competition conditions."

Back to topic

DUC KHUE

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/danh-sach-bong-chuyen-nu-viet-nam-co-hop-ly-20251201113855899.htm