In a stunning display of grit and determination, Vietnam’s national women’s volleyball team achieved a historic victory over defending champions Thailand, clinching a 3-2 comeback win in the SEA V. League 2025 Week 2 final on August 10. The match, held at the packed Ninh Bình Provincial Gymnasium in northern Vietnam, marked the first time in over 30 years that Vietnam has defeated Thailand in this sport, ending a decades-long drought and crowning them champions of the prestigious regional tournament.
A Breakthrough After Decades of Defeat
The significance of this victory cannot be overstated. Ranked 22nd globally, Vietnam faced off against world No. 21 Thailand, a team that has dominated Southeast Asian volleyball with eight consecutive SEA V. League titles and a consistent upper hand over Vietnam, including in every SEA Games final. In more than 40 previous encounters, Vietnam had never managed to overcome their regional rivals—until now. This triumph not only broke a longstanding barrier but also signaled a potential shift in the balance of power within Southeast Asian volleyball.
The emotional weight of the win was palpable. Over 3,000 supporters filled the gymnasium, their cheers fueling the Vietnamese players as they mounted a dramatic comeback from two sets down. The final scoreline of 16-14 in the decisive fifth set left fans in raptures and players in tears, with many seeing this as a stepping stone toward Vietnam’s ambition of securing SEA Games gold later this year. 
A Tale of Resilience and Tactical Brilliance
The match began with Thailand asserting their dominance, leveraging the experience of veteran hitters Ajcharaporn Kongyot and Chatchu-on Moksri to claim the first set 25-17. The second set was a closer contest, but Thailand edged it out 26-24, leaving Vietnam with a daunting challenge. However, under the guidance of head coach Nguyễn Tuấn Kiệt, the Vietnamese squad refused to buckle.
Kiệt, who had confidently predicted a win after Vietnam’s silver-medal finish in Week 1 of the league, deployed his strongest lineup, led by captain Trần Thị Thanh Thúy and powerhouse Nguyễn Thị Bích Tuyền. Supported by Trần Thị Bích Thủy and Vi Thị Như Quỳnh, the team regrouped in the third set, tightening their defense and exploiting gaps in the Thai backcourt. Vietnam powered through to win the third and fourth sets 25-17 and 25-22, respectively, forcing a nail-biting fifth set.
The final set showcased the sheer determination of the Vietnamese side. With Tuyền in unstoppable form, Vietnam reached match point at 14-13, only for Ajcharaporn to level the score at 14-14. Undeterred, the hosts maintained their composure, securing the last two points with Tuyền’s thunderous spike sealing a historic 16-14 victory.
Individual Brilliance Shines Through
Nguyễn Thị Bích Tuyền emerged as the undisputed star of the match, delivering a staggering 45 points—42 from attacks, 2 from blocks, and 1 from an ace—setting a new tournament record. Her performance earned her the titles of the match’s best player, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), and Best Opposite Hitter. Vi Thị Như Quỳnh, contributing 11 points in the final along with strong showings in earlier matches, was named Best Outside Hitter, while Trần Thị Bích Thủy took home the Best Middle Hitter award.
The individual accolades underscored the depth of talent within the Vietnamese squad, a factor that coach Kiệt highlighted as crucial to their success. Reflecting on the match, he expressed immense pride in his team’s ability to push beyond their limits. “Through previous losses to Thailand, we realized that this was our last chance to test our abilities and aim for the SEA Games gold medal later this year” Kiệt said on August 10. He emphasized the importance of determination and mental stability, noting that even after losing the first two sets, he believed in his team’s potential to turn the tide.
Thailand Reflects on a Rare Defeat
For Thailand, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. Captain Ajcharaporn Kongyot acknowledged Vietnam’s superior performance, stating on August 10, “We couldn’t execute our side-outs and stop their runs, and the momentum shifted their way. Vietnam played better today. They had a true finisher who could deliver when it mattered.” She viewed the defeat as a valuable lesson ahead of the World Championship, which Thailand will host on home soil.
Thai head coach Kiattipong Ratchatakriangkrai echoed her sentiments, recognizing the challenges of playing against Vietnam in front of a passionate home crowd. “We knew it would be a difficult match, and we had to play on their field. They tried their best to fight, using their key players to confront us” he said on August 10. While disappointed with the result, he pointed to positive takeaways from the match that his team would analyze in preparation for upcoming competitions, including the World Championship and the SEA Games.
A Milestone for Vietnamese Sports
Beyond the immediate thrill of victory, Vietnam’s triumph carries broader implications for the country’s sporting landscape. Volleyball has long been a source of national pride, yet consistent losses to Thailand had tempered expectations. This win, however, has reignited hope and ambition, particularly with the 33rd SEA Games just three months away. Coach Kiệt expressed optimism that the victory would boost his players’ confidence as they face stronger opponents in future competitions.
The match also highlighted the growing competitiveness of women’s volleyball in Southeast Asia. Thailand’s dominance has been a defining feature of the sport in the region, but Vietnam’s emergence as a serious contender suggests that the landscape may be shifting. For fans and analysts alike, this victory is a sign of Vietnam’s potential to challenge for top honors not only regionally but also on the global stage.
Community and Cultural Impact
In Ninh Bình, the atmosphere was electric as thousands of supporters rallied behind their team. The victory resonated deeply with the local community, symbolizing resilience and the power of collective spirit. For many Vietnamese fans, the win was more than just a sporting achievement; it was a moment of national pride, a rare triumph over a formidable adversary that has long overshadowed their team.
The emotional scenes at the gymnasium—players embracing amidst tears of joy and fans chanting in unison—captured the profound impact of the win. It was a reminder of how sport can unite and inspire, transcending the boundaries of competition to touch the heart of a nation. As Vietnam looks ahead to future challenges, this historic victory will undoubtedly serve as a source of motivation and belief.
Looking Ahead to Bigger Challenges
As both teams turn their focus to upcoming tournaments, the implications of this match will linger. For Vietnam, the victory is a confidence booster, a proof of their potential to achieve greater heights. The SEA Games gold medal, a long-cherished dream, now feels within reach. For Thailand, the loss serves as a wake-up call, a reminder that even the most dominant teams must adapt and evolve to maintain their edge.
In the broader context of Southeast Asian volleyball, this match may mark the beginning of a new era. With Vietnam stepping up as a formidable force, the regional competition is set to become fiercer, promising thrilling encounters in the years to come. As the dust settles on this historic night in Ninh Bình, one question remains: can Vietnam build on this momentum to establish themselves as the new powerhouse of Southeast Asian volleyball?
