Phạm Thị Kim Huệ has said goodbye to the national team. — Photo thethao247.vn |
HÀ NỘI – Veteran women’s volleyball player Phạm Thị Kim Huệ, 35, bid adieu to the national team after they brought home a bronze medal at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Malaysia.
Việt Nam were lagging behind but caught up and beat the Philippines 3-1 to take the bronze medal.
“This is my last SEA Games. It’s a pity that Việt Nam failed [to win the gold] in this event,” Huệ said.
This is the first time in 16 years that the team did not manage to earn a slot in the final match. In the semi-final, though Huệ and her teammates made every effort, they lost to Indonesia 2-3.
“Ever since I got called to the national team, I have hoped that Việt Nam would beat arch-rival Thailand for the gold, but that dream has not come true. I hope the young aces in the team will beat Thailand to triumph at the largest regional sport event,” said Huệ.
Huệ was called to the national squad at the age of 16, and three years later, she was selected as captain. She has competed in the SEA Games six times and helped the team win six silver medals.
After leaving the national team, Huệ will play for Vietinbank club and compete in domestic and international events.
Two years ago, she was invited to play for Thai Danish Nongrua, a women’s professional volleyball team in Khonkaen, Thailand. She is the fifth Vietnamese volleyball player to have played for a foreign team. – VNS