Volleyball

Đoàn Thị Xuân of Việt Nam (No 17) sets a ball during the match between Việt Nam and Indonesia at the SEA V.League 2023's stage 1 last week. The two will meet each other in the second stage on August 11-14.in Thailand. — Photo courtesy of AVC

HÀ NỘI — The national volleyball team arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand, yesterday, ahead of the SEA V.League 2023's second stage on August 11-14.

Acting coach Nguyễn Trọng Linh takes charge of the young squad for the first time as head coach Nguyễn Tuấn Kiệt will lead the senior team competing in the annual international VTV Cup from August 19-26 in Lào Cai Province.

Despite his debut and a few nerves, Linh is confident his players would be at their best and will perform with the best possible spirit and determination.

The SEA V.League 2023, formerly known as ASEAN Grand Prix, is an international women's volleyball tournament contested by four national teams that are members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations.

The ASEAN Grand Prix was first held in 2019. Thailand won the title in two previous competitions.

This year the SEA V.League is organised in two stages, one was held in Việt Nam's Vĩnh Phúc Province on August 4-6 and the second in Chiang Mai later this week.

In the second stage, all teams will compete at the 3,000-seater gymnasium inside the 700th Anniversary Chiang Mai Sports Complex.

In the first stage, Thailand, the world No 15 and consecutive 14-time SEA Games gold medallists, defeated host Việt Nam 22-25, 25-20, 28-26, 25-17 on the last day at the Vĩnh Phúc Gymnasium.

Thailand topped the four-team standings with nine points from three straight wins. Việt Nam came second with six points from two wins against one loss at the end of the round-robin tournament. Indonesia was in third place with three points from one win against two losses, with the winless Philippines in the bottom fourth position.

Along with the team's prize, Việt Nam's Trần Thị Thanh Thúy was voted Best Outside Hitter, Hoàng Thị Kiều Trinh Best Opposite Spiker, and Đoàn Thị Lâm Oanh Best Setter.

Speaking with reporters, coach Kiệt said Vietnamese players did their best in the tournament. Despite a loss, Việt Nam played as well as Thailand in the early sets.

"It was regrettable that we had several opportunities to win but players did not succeed in decisive points. However, I praised my team's determination and spirit," said Kiệt.

"In the second stage, we will make big changes to the list of players. They are young players who have not had much international experienced. But they are confident and ready for the tournament."

Việt Nam will send the women's team to the 19th Asian Games (ASIAD) in Hangzhou, China in September, according to the sport authority.

After the recent draw, Việt Nam are in Group C with South Korea and Nepal. Ten other teams are in two groups of three and one group of four.

Matches will be held from September 28 to October 7.

Five years ago at the Jakarta ASIAD 2018, Việt Nam placed sixth.

China beat Thailand in the final match to take the crown. This year, the defending champion is still a top candidate for the winning trophy. — VNS