Stirring up story about difference in food expenses for Vietnam women's volleyball team

Information that athletes in the Vietnamese women's volleyball team receive different nutritional regimens while preparing for the 33rd SEA Games has attracted public attention.

8 players did not receive the highest level of food money

In preparation for the 33rd SEA Games campaign taking place in Thailand in December 2025, the Department of Sports and Physical Training decided to establish a Vietnamese women's volleyball team with 20 athletes.

The athletes include: Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh, Doan Thi Lam Oanh, Pham Quynh Huong, Nguyen Khanh Dang, Vo Thi Kim Thoa, Le Thanh Thuy, Nguyen Thi Trinh, Nguyen Phuong Quynh, Ha Kieu Vy, Vi Thi Nhu Quynh, Doan Thi Xuan, Nguyen Thi Uyen, Dang Thi Kim Thanh, Le Nhu Anh, Le Thi Yen, Hoang Hong Hanh, Luu Thi Hue, Vi Thi Yen Nhi, Bui Thi Anh Thao and Le Thuy Linh.

The training list does not include opposing team Bich Tuyen, while Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Tran Thi Bich Thuy are competing abroad and will join the team late.

Not every volleyball player gets the highest food allowance.

According to research, in this list, only 16 members (4 members of the coaching board, 12 athletes) are entitled to a special nutritional regime for the 33rd SEA Games of 480,000 VND/person/day. Meanwhile, although called up to the national team, the remaining 8 athletes are only entitled to 320,000 VND/person/day according to the nutritional regime regulations for normal athletes.

The fact that athletes on the same team do not receive the same benefits causes a stir.

Experts say that this difference in nutrition can create an uncomfortable atmosphere within the team, not to mention that receiving the highest meal allowance is necessary to help each athlete better prepare before the SEA Games.

What does the Department of Sports and Physical Training say?

A leader of the Department of Sports and Physical Training said that according to regulations, athletes on duty at the 33rd SEA Games are entitled to a nutritional allowance of 480,000 VND/day/person. This regulation is applied to all sports.

For the national volleyball team, the number of athletes officially participating in SEA Games 33 is 14, and they receive the highest level of benefits. The remaining athletes only receive the normal level.

Thus, it can be understood that in the current Vietnamese women's volleyball team, the coaching board has determined the official list with 14 athletes (including 12 athletes who are training with 2 athletes Thanh Thuy and Bich Thuy who are competing abroad). This list will only change when an official athlete is injured or cannot participate in the SEA Games for another reason.

Vietnam women's volleyball team aims for SEA Games 33 with the goal of winning gold medal.

However, this regulation also creates shortcomings, most obviously athletes are called up to the national team but only to have enough squad for training, making competition for SEA Games spots almost non-existent.

Regarding this issue, speaking with VietNamNet, General Secretary of the Vietnam Volleyball Federation (VFV) Le Tri Truong said: “This is a regulation related to the regulations and finances of the Department of Sports and Physical Training. The Ministry of Finance stipulates that the number of athletes officially receiving the highest nutritional allowance in the Vietnam men's and women's volleyball team is 14 athletes, and the coaching board of the team who wants to gather more athletes must make a proposal.

Due to the nature of volleyball, the number of athletes called up is often larger than the competition list, in order to train the athletes or prevent injuries. In terms of policy, VFV always wants the athletes to enjoy the highest benefits, but must follow the regulations and rules. Currently, VFV is working with the Department of Sports and Physical Training on this matter."

Vietnam women's volleyball team is short of players

Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet and his team will gather on October 25 in Quang Ninh , but will be missing five athletes: Vi Thi Yen Nhi, Bui Thi Anh Thao, Le Thuy Linh, Vi Thi Nhu Quynh and Pham Quynh Huong, because they are busy participating in the 2025 National A-Class Volleyball Tournament.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/xon-xao-chuyen-chenh-lech-tien-an-o-tuyen-bong-chuyen-nu-viet-nam-2456559.html