The women's team won all three group stage matches 2-0 against Laos, India, and Myanmar to top group B. Coached by Tran Thi Vui, they will face South Korea in the semifinals, scheduled for this afternoon, 25/7.

The Vietnam women's sepak takraw team during a match against Malaysia at the Patliputra Indoor Stadium, Kankarbagh district, Patna city, Bihar state, India on 21/3/2025. Photo: SepaktakrawIndia

The Vietnam women's sepak takraw team during a match against Malaysia at the Patliputra Indoor Stadium, Kankarbagh district, Patna city, Bihar state, India on 21/3/2025. Photo: SepaktakrawIndia

Vietnam are the defending champions in this event at both the World Cup and the World Championship, with their biggest rival being hosts Thailand. The women's team features star striker Tran Thi Ngoc Yen, consistently the team's top scorer.

The men's team also defeated Brunei, India, and Laos. Despite a loss to Japan, they advanced to the semifinals as group winners. India finished second due to their victory over Japan.

However, Vietnam will face hosts Thailand in the men's regu semifinals. Thailand finished second in group A after losing to Malaysia, despite victories over Myanmar, Singapore, and South Korea. The other men's regu semifinal will be contested between India and Malaysia, the only undefeated team remaining in the competition.

The sepak takraw world championship is an annual event, having been held 38 times, traditionally in Thailand. This year's tournament takes place at the Central Hatyai shopping center in Songkhla province from 22/7 to 28/7. The tournament features six events: doubles, triples, regu, hoop takraw, team, and mixed regu. In the mixed regu (two men and two women), Vietnam were narrowly defeated by Malaysia 1-2, ending their run in that event.

Matches start from 7:30 a.m. and can continue until 1:00 a.m. the next day. Players often have to stay inside the stadium during their midday break. This is a challenge faced by all participating teams.

Xuan Binh