Volleyball

Vietnamese players celebrate their point scored during the final of the AVC Challenge Cup against Kazakhstan on May 29 in the Philippines. Photos asianvolleyball.net

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam successfully defended the AVC Challenge Cup by defeating Kazakhstan in the final on May 29 night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila, the Philippines.

With an above-average height, the Kazakhstani players launched attacks from the three-meter lines, anticipating that their drop shots would secure numerous points for the team.

However, a strong performance by the Vietnamese defenders successfully thwarted most of their opponents’ attempts. Spikers Tú Linh, Kiều Trinh, and Nguyễn Thị Bích Tuyền dismantled Kazakhstan’s defense, ultimately securing a 25-20 victory for the reigning champions.

Việt Nam loaded the offence upon Tuyền who unleashed launched powerful attacks that left no time nor space for the opponents to react. They also played with a faster pace and showed better composure during the transition, leading to their victory in the second set with a score of 25-22.

Nguyễn Thị Bích Tuyền (No 10) of Việt Nam is voted the MVP of the tournament.

Kazakhstan strongly fought back in the third set and they led 19-16 after consecutive attemtps.

Kiệt again called for time-out to adjust his line-up and tactic that helped the defenders block better while the spikers volleyed more accurately.

Việt Nam went to lead 22-20 before ending the match at 25-22 after a Kazakhstani serve hit the net.

It was the second win of Việt Nam, world No 38, over Kazakhstan which placed No 31.

In the group round, Việt Nam won 3-1. The Southeast Asian team set a record of winning all six matches at the tournament

They jumped to No 36, the highest ever place, and confirmed their slot to compete in the FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup which will take place from July 4-7.

They also secured a slot at the 2025 Volleyball Nations League, the world’s most prestigious annual volleyball competition.

In the third-place playoff, hosts Philippines punched their places in the podium, as they won the bronze medal match in straight sets, 25-23, 25-15, 25-7 against Australia.

In addition to the team's championship title, Việt Nam also bagged three awards for the best individuals. Tuyền who amassed an astounding 26 points with her nearly unstoppable attacks from the flanks as well as the backline was the Most Valuable Player; Thúy was the best middle blocker and Nguyễn Khánh Đang best libero. VNS