Handball

Việt Nam's women's team celebrates their win at the Southeast Asian Men's and Women's Indoor Handball Championships. Photos courtesy of Pichoof

HÀ NỘI Việt Nam's one gold and one silver medal at the regional handball championship are seen as positive signs for the team at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 2025.

The women's squad beat Thailand on February 8 to secure the title at the Southeast Asian Men's and Women's Indoor Handball Championships. Hours later the men's side lost to Thailand to place second.

As the Asian champions, Việt Nam met no challenges beating all rivals in qualifications to advance to the final.

Against Thailand which received strong support from local fans, Vietnamese players faced little difficulties in the early stages of the first half before ending the half 16-15. The second half went to the visitors who dominated and managed the pace of the match going on to win 31-26.

Vietnamese women's team were unbeaten at the Southeast Asian Men's and Women's Indoor Handball Championships.

The men's final however was a different situation. Five teams competed in a round-robin format. The last match between Việt Nam and Thailand was considered final as the winner would take the title.

Knowing the Thai power, coach Tăng Quý Minh asked his players to play on the counter-attack. Their tactic worked well but players' mistakes still happened leading to Thailand's 40-34 victory after 60 minutes.

"We appreciated both teams' effort in this championship," said Đòan Đức Kiên, general secretary of the Việt Nam Handball Federation and head of Team Việt Nam.

"We came to Thailand with the strongest players targeting the highest podiums. This competition is our test for later international tournaments including the 33rd SEA Games later this year."

The indoor squads returned home yesterday when the beach event began until February 12 in Suphanburi.

SEA Games goals

Handball is one of the 50 official sports of this December SEA Games after its absence in the 32nd edition in Cambodia. Việt Nam are reigning champions in men's and women's indoor and men's beach handball.

As one of the strong points of Việt Nam, handball has been added to the country's list of participating teams in the Bangkok event.

"In previous Games, we all achieved high results. And this year, we have built a plan to prepare intensively to prevent our SEA Games titles", Kiên said. VNS