Hanoi – Vietnam national sepak takraw team departed for India on March 18 to compete in the 2025 Sepak Takraw World Cup, marking their first international outing of the year.
With a formidable lineup of seasoned athletes, the team aims to secure at least one gold medal at the prestigious tournament, scheduled from March 20 to 25. The event in India will see 20 teams from across the globe, including a strong Southeast Asian contingent, vying for top honors.
The Vietnamese squad boasts a roster of standout players from the 19th Asian Games (ASIAD 19), including Dau Van Hoang, Nguyen Hoang Lan, Vuong Minh Chau, Nguyen Van Ly, Huynh Ngoc Sang, Ngo Thanh Long, Nguyen Thi My, Nguyen Thi Yen, Nguyen Thi Khanh Ly, Vu Thi Van Anh, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Huyen, and Tran Thi Ngoc Yen. Under the guidance of coaches Tran Thi Vui and Hoang Duc Luong, the team is primed to compete in five events: men’s doubles, men’s team of three, women’s team of three, women’s team of four, and the mixed-gender team of four. “This is our first test of 2025, and the players are confident in delivering top results,” said Le Thanh Son, Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Sepak Takraw Federation. “It’s also a chance for the coaching staff to assess our training progress and make adjustments.”
Vietnam’s target of at least one gold medal reflects their strong legacy in the sport. The team has a history of success, having clinched the women’s quad event at the 2023 King’s Cup World Championship and topping the medal table at the 2024 World Sepak Takraw Championship with six golds. Facing stiff competition from regional powerhouses like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia—alongside other Southeast Asian teams such as Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, Philippines, Cambodia, and Brunei—Vietnam’s experience and cohesion will be key. The tournament’s diverse field, including teams from beyond Asia, promises intense matches.
Le Thanh Son emphasized the dual purpose of the trip: “We’re not just aiming for medals but also evaluating our readiness after months of preparation. The World Cup is a critical benchmark.” The absence of these national players from the ongoing 2025 National Club Sepak Takraw Championship in Ba Ria-Vung Tau highlights their prioritization of this international mission. Coaches Tran Thi Vui and Hoang Duc Luong, both seasoned strategists, will look to leverage the team’s ASIAD-honed skills to navigate the challenging draw.
As the team settles in India, anticipation builds among fans back home. With Southeast Asia’s sepak takraw elite converging on the event, Vietnam’s quest for gold will test their mettle against the world’s best. A strong showing could set the tone for a stellar 2025, reinforcing their status as a dominant force in the sport.
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