Sepak takraw

Vietnamese players take gold medal in the World Cup sepak takraw title in women's quadrant category on March 21 in India. Photos of ISTAF

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam made history on March 21 by defeating arch-rival Thailand to claim its first-ever World Cup sepak takraw title in the women's quadrant category.

The match was a showdown between two of the strongest teams in the world. Thailand, long considered the powerhouse of sepak takraw as the sport’s birthplace, has dominated the international scene for decades. Meanwhile, Việt Nam entered the tournament as the defending world champions after their remarkable victory in 2023.

With a stellar lineup consisting of Trần Thị Ngọc Yến, Nguyễn Thị My, Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Huyền, and Nguyễn Thị Yến, Việt Nam displayed exceptional skill and coordination. The team quickly set the tone, racing ahead to lead 5-0, then extending their dominance to 8-1 in the first set.

The Thais tried hard and gradually narrowed the gap to 12-14 but Việt Nam took the set point and win the first set at 15-12.

Việt Nam make Thailand former World Cup champion after their thrilling win on March 21 in India.

Thailand claimed the second set after adjusting their tactics, quickly taking a 5-1 lead and maintaining their advantage to close the set at 15-12.

The decisive third set was a thrilling battle, with both teams engaged in a nail-biting race for points. The lead alternated back and forth as the two sides remained neck-and-neck. With the score at 14-13 in Việt Nam's favor, the team secured the championship point in dramatic fashion, sending the stadium into a frenzy with their 15-13 victory.

This historic win marks a pivotal moment in sepak takraw history, as the Vietnamese players dethroned Thailand, the long-reigning powerhouse of the sport.

Before their historic final victory, Việt Nam’s women’s team showcased their dominance by defeating South Korea 2-0, Myanmar 2-1, and France 2-0 in the earlier rounds.

On the men’s side, the team put up a commendable effort but fell short against Thailand in the final, losing 1-15 and 9-15, ultimately earning a silver medal.

The ISTAF Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025 is taking place from March 20-25 at the Patliputra Indoor Stadium in Bihar, India.

The event brings together 20 countries and approximately 300 athletes and trainers in a six-day celebration of the sport.

Athletes will also compete in other categories, including men's and women's regu (teams of three), doubles, and mixed team events.

Sepak takraw, often referred to as "kick volleyball," is a dynamic sport played with a rattan or plastic ball similar in appearance to a volleyball. Players are required to avoid using their hands, relying instead on their feet, knees, chest, and even their heads to strike the ball over the net. VNS