In their final group stage match at the 2025 U21 World Volleyball Championship, Vietnam U21 defeated Puerto Rico 3-1, securing second place in Group A and a spot in the Round of 16. Coach Nguyen Trong Linh's team will face Turkey, ranked 5th in the world.

Notably, in the final group stage match of the Vietnam U21 team, two outstanding hitters, Dang Thi Hong and Nguyen Phuong Quynh, were absent from the registered squad. Both were seated in the stands watching their teammates play.

The latest information indicates that two Vietnamese athletes are among the group of athletes undergoing random blood and urine tests. This is a normal procedure of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) during a tournament. The organizers randomly select two athletes from each team.

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Two athletes, Dang Thi Hong and Nguyen Phuong Quynh. Photo: BCVN

In addition, star player Dang Thi Hong is facing further paperwork issues. The Vietnam Volleyball Federation (VFV) is currently coordinating with the organizing committee to supplement the required documents so that the U21 Vietnam athlete can compete in the round of 16.

Speaking to VietNamNet, VFV General Secretary Le Tri Truong said: "The organizers of the U21 World Championship have informed us that athlete Dang Thi Hong has issues related to her birth certificate. Currently, the VFV has submitted a document and provided all relevant information regarding Dang Thi Hong's documents to the organizers. On the evening of August 12th, the organizers of the 2025 U21 World Championship will hold a meeting and make a decision regarding the case of the Vietnamese athlete."

Regarding the possibility that Dang Thi Hong might not be able to compete in the match against Turkey, Mr. Tri Truong said: "I think there's no problem, our athlete will be able to compete."

According to the schedule, the Vietnam U21 volleyball team's match against Türkiye in the Round of 16 of the 2025 U21 World Championship will take place at 10:00 AM on August 13th in Indonesia.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/u21-bong-chuyen-viet-nam-gap-tho-nhi-ky-dang-thi-hong-co-duoc-thi-dau-2431371.html