In a stunning display of skill and determination, Vietnam’s women’s sepak takraw team has claimed a historic victory at the 2025 ISTAF Sepak Takraw World Cup, defeating long-time powerhouse Thailand in the women’s quadrant category. The triumph, which took place on 21 March at the Patliputra Indoor Stadium in Bihar, India, marks the first time Vietnam has clinched this prestigious title, cementing their status as a rising force in the sport often dubbed “kick volleyball.”

For Vietnam, a country with a growing passion for sepak takraw, this win is more than just a sporting achievement—it’s a symbol of national pride and a testament to the team’s relentless dedication. Facing Thailand, the sport’s historical epicentre and a dominant force for decades, Vietnam’s victory signals a shift in the global hierarchy of this fast-paced, acrobatic game.

A Thrilling Showdown

The final match was a gripping contest between two of the world’s strongest teams. Vietnam, entering as defending world champions after their 2023 triumph, fielded a formidable lineup featuring Trần Thị Ngọc Yến, Nguyễn Thị My, Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Huyền, and Nguyễn Thị Yến. From the outset, they showcased exceptional coordination, racing to a 5-0 lead in the first set and extending it to 8-1. Despite a late rally from Thailand, Vietnam clinched the set 15-12.

Thailand, determined not to be outdone on the international stage, adapted their tactics in the second set. They surged ahead early, securing a 5-1 advantage and holding firm to win 15-12, levelling the match. The deciding third set was a heart-pounding battle, with the lead swinging back and forth. With the score at 14-13 in Vietnam’s favour, the team delivered the championship point in dramatic fashion, sealing a 15-13 victory as the stadium erupted in celebration.

This historic win was the culmination of a dominant tournament run for Vietnam’s women’s team. In earlier rounds, they defeated South Korea 2-0, Myanmar 2-1, and France 2-0, proving their consistency and strength against a diverse field of competitors.

A Sport Rooted in Tradition

Sepak takraw, a sport deeply embedded in South East Asian culture, combines elements of volleyball and football. Played with a rattan or plastic ball, athletes must use their feet, knees, chest, and heads—never their hands—to strike the ball over a net. Its origins trace back centuries, with Thailand often credited as the sport’s birthplace, where it has long been a source of national pride.

For Vietnam, success in sepak takraw has been a more recent story. Over the past decade, the country has invested in developing talent and infrastructure for the sport, with grassroots programmes nurturing young athletes. The women’s team’s victory in India is a clear sign that these efforts are bearing fruit, challenging Thailand’s decades-long dominance and inspiring a new generation of players back home in Hanoi and beyond.

Men’s Team Secures Silver

While the women’s team basked in gold, Vietnam’s men’s quadrant team also put up a valiant effort at the World Cup. Facing Thailand in the final, they battled hard but ultimately fell short, losing 1-15 and 9-15 to settle for a silver medal. Despite the loss, their journey to the final underscores Vietnam’s growing prowess across both categories of the sport.

The ISTAF Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025, running from 20 to 25 March, has brought together 20 countries and around 300 athletes and trainers for a six-day celebration of the sport. Beyond the quadrant category, competitors are also vying for titles in men’s and women’s regu (teams of three), doubles, and mixed team events, showcasing the diversity and global appeal of sepak takraw.

A Moment of National Pride

In Hanoi, news of the women’s victory has sparked jubilation among fans and sports enthusiasts. Social media platforms are abuzz with videos of the match’s final moments, with many praising the team’s grit and teamwork. For a nation that has often stood in the shadow of regional giants like Thailand in sepak takraw, this win feels like a breakthrough—a moment to savour and build upon.

As the Vietnamese team returns home with their hard-earned gold, the spotlight now turns to what lies ahead. Can they maintain this momentum and continue to challenge the traditional powerhouses? For now, the streets of Hanoi are filled with pride, as residents celebrate a small but significant victory that resonates far beyond the court.