Hyderabad – Vietnam’s women’s sepak takraw team etched their names in history by clinching the country’s first-ever gold medal at the ISTAF World Cup in Hyderabad, India, defeating Thailand 2-1 (15-12, 12-15, 15-13) in the women’s quad event final. Led by coach Tran Thi Vui, the quartet of Nguyen Thi Ngoc Huyen, Nguyen Thi Yen, Nguyen Thi My, and Tran Thi Ngoc Yen showcased grit and skill to overcome a perennial powerhouse. The triumph marks Vietnam’s best-ever performance at the global championship, surpassing their previous record of five silver medals.
The road to glory began in the group stage, where Vietnam’s women dominated with victories over South Korea (2-0), Myanmar (2-1), and France (2-0), securing their spot in the final. Facing Thailand—a sepak takraw titan with nine World Cup golds—the Vietnamese squad traded blows in a tense three-set thriller. After taking the first set 15-12, they faltered in the second (12-15) but rallied in the decider, edging out a 15-13 win to claim the title. “This is a dream come true,” Ngoc Huyen said. “Beating Thailand feels unreal.”
The victory avenges a loss to Thailand in the 2023 SEA Games quad final, where Vietnam settled for silver. That year, Ngoc Huyen and Nguyen Thi Yen redeemed themselves by winning gold in the doubles event against Myanmar, hinting at the potential fulfilled in Hyderabad. Coach Tran Thi Vui hailed the breakthrough: “We’ve worked tirelessly for this moment. It’s a historic step for Vietnamese sepak takraw.”
Thailand remains the sport’s dominant force globally, but Vietnam’s triumph signals a shift. With the ISTAF World Cup running until March 25, Vietnam’s men’s team now takes center stage, competing in doubles and triples events. After this landmark win, expectations are high for more medals. “This gold inspires us all,” a team official noted. “We’re not done yet.”
Back home, fans erupted in celebration, lauding the women’s team for putting Vietnam on the sepak takraw map. As the tournament continues, their historic feat reverberates, promising a bright future for the sport in the country.
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