Thailand, considered a sepak takraw powerhouse having won 67% of the Asian Games gold medals, has lost its dominance in the crucial women's regu event. In the two most recent world championship finals, Thailand lost to Vietnam, at the World Cup in 3/2025 and the World Championship in 7/2025.

Following Thailand's 2-1 reverse against Vietnam on the afternoon of 27/7, a PBS commentator remarked, "Vietnam has won both world championships this year. Striker Tran Thi Ngoc Yen performed significantly better than her Thai counterpart. Therefore, Thailand will have to try much harder if they want to reclaim the title from Vietnam in future tournaments. Vietnam played much better than the hosts.".

Vietnam (right) during the women's team regu final against Thailand at the World Championship in Central Hatyai shopping center, Songkhla Province, Thailand on 26/7/2025. Photo: *Sanamtakraw*

Vietnam lost the first set 12-15 but won the next two sets decisively, 15-8 and 15-7. Ngoc Yen scored most of the team's points with precise spikes. The commentator repeatedly praised her performance.

For example, after a weak second pass from a teammate, Ngoc Yen, instead of attempting a powerful spike from a difficult position, cleverly kicked the ball into an open space on the opponent's side, catching them off guard. "Ngoc Yen not only spiked excellently and consistently at the net, but also delivered difficult serves that caused the opponents to make mistakes," the Thai commentator noted.

According to Thai experts, another key reason for Vietnam's victory was their three-player blocking strategy. "The Thai players cried and were devastated because they had tried their best," the commentator said. "But Vietnam's blocking was very disciplined, intercepting many of the opponent's attacks.".

The three-player blocking tactic was also employed by the Vietnamese men's team, but it proved ineffective in their final loss to Japan on the morning of 27/7. However, the women's team's blocking neutralized many of the host's spikes, especially in the latter two sets. Meanwhile, Thailand used a single-player block.

The 2025 Sepak Takraw World Championship took place at Central Hatyai shopping center, Songkhla Province, Thailand, from 22/7 to 28/7. The tournament featured 6 events: doubles, triples, regu, hoop takraw, team regu, and mixed regu. The team regu event was played in a three-player format over three matches. The mixed regu event was played with 4 players, 2 men and 2 women on the court.

Thailand still leads the overall medal tally with 4 gold medals. However, in the women's regu event, Vietnam has emerged as a new force. The women's team are the current champions in this event at the World Cup, World Championship, and Asian Games. Their next goal is to avenge their defeat against Thailand in the 2025 SEA Games final later this year, also on Thai soil.

Xuan Binh