Hanoi, 20 February 2026 – Vietnam’s historic gold medal in the men’s quadrant event at SEA Games 33 has elevated the national sepak takraw team to a new level and sparked strong expectations ahead of the Asian Games 20 (ASIAD 20). With long-term preparation and a well-balanced squad combining experienced leaders and promising young talents, Vietnam’s men’s quadrant team is aiming to make a significant impact on the continental stage in 2026.
The year 2025 marked a major breakthrough for Vietnam men’s sepak takraw, highlighted by their first-ever SEA Games gold medal in the quadrant event. Their victory was particularly impressive, including a crucial semifinal win over traditional powerhouse Thailand. This achievement not only demonstrated Vietnam’s technical progress but also strengthened the team’s confidence and competitive mentality.
However, the coaching staff recognizes that this success is only the beginning. The Asian Games 20, scheduled to take place in Aichi, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026, will present a far greater challenge and require comprehensive improvement.
Head coach Nguyen Trong Thuy emphasized the importance of maintaining focus despite recent success. He noted that while the SEA Games victory boosted confidence, international competition demands constant progress. He stressed that the team must continue training seriously, developing new tactical strengths, and refining their performance to remain competitive at higher levels.
Key player Vuong Minh Chau also highlighted the motivational impact of the historic gold medal. He explained that defeating Thailand and winning the quadrant title provided tremendous confidence for the team and served as a crucial stepping stone toward their ultimate goal of achieving success at the Asian Games, where the level of competition will be significantly tougher.
In 2026, Vietnam’s sepak takraw team will compete in three major tournaments: the Asian Championship in May, the World Championship in July, and the Asian Games 20 later in the year. These competitions will serve as important benchmarks for evaluating player performance, refining tactics, and ensuring the team reaches peak form at the right time.
Coach Nguyen Trong Thuy acknowledged that Southeast Asian nations remain the strongest competitors, but teams from countries such as South Korea, Japan, and India are also making rapid progress with systematic investment and development. As a result, Vietnam is treating every match as a decisive contest, focusing on improving physical conditioning, technical skills, mental strength, and tactical flexibility.
The Vietnam men’s quadrant team features a strong blend of experience and youthful energy. Vuong Minh Chau plays a crucial role as the primary setter, providing stability and controlling the tempo of the game. Meanwhile, young talent Huynh Ngoc Sang brings speed, athleticism, and attacking ability, adding valuable depth and unpredictability to the squad.
Coach Nguyen Trong Thuy praised both players, highlighting Chau’s leadership and consistency, as well as Sang’s scoring ability and contribution to the SEA Games gold medal. He expressed confidence that these players will continue to play key roles in the team’s future success.
Vietnam sepak takraw previously made history at the Asian Games 19 with a gold medal in the women’s quadrant event. Now, at ASIAD 20, hopes are firmly placed on the men’s quadrant team to replicate that achievement. With strong preparation, a talented roster, and growing confidence, Vietnam is well-positioned to continue its rise and further strengthen its reputation on the Asian sporting stage.
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