In a statement posted on her social media Tuesday night, the Vinh Long native explained that her decision to withdraw before the team's departure for the 2025 World Championship was carefully considered and respected by both the coaching staff and the Vietnam Volleyball Federation (VFV).

She expressed confidence in her teammates' ability to perform well and achieve success at the tournament in Thailand. Tuyen affirmed her commitment to using this time to focus on training and preparing for future competitions.

Bich Tuyen celebrates Vietnam’s 3-2 victory over Thailand in the second leg of the 2025 SEA V-League women’s volleyball tournament, at Ninh Binh Provincial Gymnasium, 10/8. Photo: Hieu Luong

Bich Tuyen celebrates Vietnam’s 3-2 victory over Thailand in the second leg of the 2025 SEA V-League women’s volleyball tournament, at Ninh Binh Provincial Gymnasium, 10/8. Photo: Hieu Luong

Tuyen clarified that her withdrawal wasn't due to a lack of desire to compete, but rather stemmed from new FIVB requirements regarding athlete eligibility. "For me, sports is not just about competition, but also about respect and fairness. I feel that these regulations lack transparency and the necessary fairness for athletes," she emphasized. "I believe that every athlete deserves to compete in an environment of respect and equality. To protect my own integrity and avoid unnecessary risks for the team, I have decided to withdraw."

Born in 2000, the 1.88m tall Bich Tuyen is known for her powerful attacking style, particularly her spikes. Her excellent jumping ability allows her to score frequently with high-powered attacks, making her a difficult opponent to defend.

Tuyen's presence has significantly contributed to the Vietnam women's team's performance over the past two years. Most recently, on 10/8, she and her teammates defeated Thailand to win the second leg of the Southeast Asian (SEA) V-League. Tuyen described this as the best memory of her career, a testament to her continuous effort and a dream come true.

After that match, she considered the World Cup a valuable opportunity to gain experience and prepare for the 33rd SEA Games. However, following the incident involving the U21 team at the recent World Junior Championship, the 25-year-old athlete appears to have reconsidered her participation to avoid potential risks.

At the tournament in Indonesia, Vietnam was forfeited in four matches by the FIVB, which concluded that the team had "used ineligible players," but didn't specify the violation or the players involved. As a result, the team dropped from second place and a spot in the round of 16 to the bottom of the table, relegated to the 17th-24th place classification round.

Due to her masculine facial features and physique, Tuyen has often faced scrutiny regarding her gender, particularly from opponents in Thailand and Indonesia. While she previously had long hair, she recently adopted a more androgynous style with short hair.

In a previous interview with VnExpress, Tuyen shared the many ups and downs she has experienced during her 10 years as a professional athlete, but emphasized her perseverance in overcoming these challenges.

Duc Dong