Bich Thuy officially joins Okayama Seagulls

Vietnam national team middle blocker Tran Thi Bich Thuy has officially signed with Okayama Seagulls to compete in the Japanese Volleyball League Division 1. The club announced her arrival today, confirming that the 1998-born middle blocker will reinforce their roster as they look to improve their standing in one of Asia’s strongest volleyball competitions. Her move also ensures valuable match time before she returns to represent Vietnam at SEA Games 33 in Thailand this December.

After finishing fifth with Duc Giang Chemical at the Vietnam National Championship 2025, Bich Thuy travelled to Japan earlier this month to begin training with Okayama Seagulls. Following nearly a month of adapting to the new environment and training system, the club has now officially introduced her as their newest foreign signing.

Okayama Seagulls have struggled this season, winning just one match across 14 rounds and currently sitting 13th out of 14 teams in the league standings. The lack of foreign imports has been considered a major limitation for the team, prompting the club to seek reinforcements. The arrival of Bich Thuy is expected to significantly strengthen their net defense, blocking power and attacking variety in the middle.

According to the V.League schedule, Okayama Seagulls will face Denso Airybees on 29 November, a match in which Bich Thuy is widely expected to make her debut. Her official signing is also welcome news for the Vietnam women’s national team. Head coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet recently expressed concern that the middle blocker had not yet been able to compete, which could affect her rhythm ahead of SEA Games 33.

Vietnam women’s volleyball now has two players competing in Japan’s premier league: Tran Thi Thanh Thuy of Gunma Green Wings and Tran Thi Bich Thuy of Okayama Seagulls. Both are key pillars of the national squad and will play crucial roles in Vietnam’s ambition to secure a historic SEA Games gold medal next month.

Mai Huong