Vietnam’s women’s volleyball team faces Indonesia at 19:00 today at Dong Anh Gymnasium in Hanoi during the second day of Phase 1 of the 2026 SEA V.Cup, aiming for a crucial win to set up a title clash with defending power Thailand after an opening 3-1 victory over the Philippines.
Opening Wins and Lineup Shuffles at Dong Anh Gymnasium
The 2026 SEA V.Cup Phase 1 opened at Dong Anh Gymnasium in Hanoi with four regional teams playing a single round-robin schedule. Host nation Vietnam entered the tournament seeking to build on its preparations under head coach Nguyễn Tuấn Kiệt. In the opening fixture against the Philippines, the coaching staff deployed opposite Nguyễn Thị Trà My and outside hitter Nguyễn Huỳnh Phương Thùy alongside team captain Trần Thị Thanh Thúy, middle blockers Lê Thanh Thúy and Trần Thị Bích Thủy, setter Võ Thị Kim Thoa, and libero Nguyễn Khánh Đang, according to reporting from local sports coverage.
Early struggles in reception and first-touch execution hampered the host side, allowing the Philippines to push the pace. To counter the deficit, coach Nguyễn Tuấn Kiệt turned to his bench, introducing 17-year-old Bùi Thị Ánh Thảo, Nguyễn Thị Uyên, and Lê Như Anh. The adjustments steadied the squad just in time to secure a hard-fought 29-27 victory in the opening set. With the initial pressure lifted, Vietnam clicked into gear during the second set, utilizing quick combinations between Kim Thoa and Như Anh while Vi Thị Như Quỳnh and Bích Thủy battered the opponent’s defense to cruise to a 25-17 win.
A dip in concentration and subsequent rotations allowed the Philippines to seize momentum in the third set, taking it 25-20. However, the hosts restored order in the fourth. With Thanh Thúy back on the court driving the attack alongside Bích Thủy and Như Quỳnh, Vietnam closed out the match 25-19 to claim a 3-1 overall victory.
Indonesia Test Awaits as Tournament Roster Takes Shape
Following the opening win, Vietnam shifts its focus to a 19:00 clash against Indonesia on August 1. Indonesia arrives in Hanoi carrying a renewed roster due to a deliberate youth-rebuilding initiative that left several key veterans behind. Despite the transition, the visitors pushed continental giant Thailand to four sets in their opening match before falling 1-3.
Phase 1 runs from July 31 through August 2 in Hanoi, with Phase 2 scheduled to follow in Thailand from August 7 to August 9.
Logistical Friction Cleared After Volleyball Federation Apology
Ahead of the matches, tournament preparations drew unwanted attention following online friction and public complaints originating from the Thai delegation regarding tournament logistics. Initial reports highlighted controversial images of a worn, dirty volleyball posted to the official fan page of the Volleyball Association of Thailand, alongside complaints from head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai concerning a lengthy transit time from the hotel to the training venue.
Regarding accommodation, tournament regulations mandate five-star lodging. Because road construction interfered with traditional hosting hotels like La Thành, organizers booked teams at the Mường Thanh Bắc Ninh hotel situated 30 kilometers from the Dong Anh venue. Representatives explained that the initial 90-minute transit time cited by the visitors factored in travel all the way from Nội Bài International Airport, and organizers quickly adjusted by securing training slots at a facility located just 10 minutes from the hotel.
Following discussions, the Volleyball Association of Thailand issued a formal apology letter signed by President Somporn Chaibangyang, who also leads the Southeast Asian Volleyball Association.
Chasing Regional Dominance in Phase 1
Securing a victory against Indonesia keeps the squad on course for a showdown against Thailand on August 2.
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