Hanoi, 22 August 2026 – Vietnam’s women’s volleyball team fought hard against South Korea but were unable to turn their opportunities into victory, suffering a 1-3 defeat in their opening match of the 2026 Asian Championship.
Vietnam began their Group C campaign against South Korea on the morning of August 22 local time in China. Ahead of the match, head coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet and his staff carefully prepared tactical plans to deal with South Korea’s height advantage and imposing blocking system.
The contest was closely fought during the opening two sets, with Vietnam showing they could compete with their more physically imposing opponents.
Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet deployed Tran Thi Thanh Thuy as opposite hitter, while Nguyen Thi Uyen and Pham Quynh Huong operated as the two outside hitters. Middle blockers Tran Thi Bich Thuy and Le Nhu Anh were also tasked with exploiting opportunities for quick attacks through the center.
Setter Vo Thi Kim Thoa played an important role in organizing Vietnam’s offense, attempting to vary the distribution and create openings in the South Korean block.
South Korea made the stronger start and maintained the upper hand throughout much of the opening set. Vietnam attempted to stay within touching distance, but the Korean side eventually secured a 25-20 victory to take a 1-0 lead.
Vietnam responded impressively in the second set. Playing with greater confidence, Nguyen Tuan Kiet’s players improved their attacking combinations, with Thanh Thuy, Bich Thuy and Quynh Huong all making important contributions.
Their improved performance was rewarded with a 25-22 victory, leveling the match at one set apiece and raising hopes of an upset.
However, South Korea regained control in the third set. Vietnam continued to compete but were unable to consistently break down their opponents’ defense, eventually falling 21-25.
The Korean side then strengthened their grip on the match in the fourth set. Vietnam struggled to maintain the effectiveness they had shown earlier and could not generate enough attacking pressure to force a deciding fifth set.
South Korea closed out the fourth set 25-17, sealing a 3-1 victory.
Despite the defeat, Tran Thi Thanh Thuy delivered another influential individual performance and finished as Vietnam’s leading scorer with 18 points.
Middle blocker Tran Thi Bich Thuy contributed 14 points, while Pham Quynh Huong added 13, giving Vietnam three players in double figures.
The result leaves Vietnam still searching for their first victory of the tournament, with two Group C matches remaining. Nguyen Tuan Kiet’s team will next face Hong Kong, China and Japan as they continue their Asian Championship 2026 campaign.
VSN/RPT
Leave a Reply