In the men's regu semifinals, the trio of Nguyen Van Nhan, Ngo Thanh Long, and Luong Cong Minh faced a dominant Thailand, losing 7-15, 6-15. According to sepak takraw rules, both losing semifinalist teams receive a bronze medal, meaning Vietnam did not have to compete in a third-place playoff.

Vietnamese players (in yellow) score during the men's three-a-side sepak takraw semifinal against Thailand, held at Paloma Mizuho Arena, Nagoya city, Aichi province, Japan, on the afternoon of 28/9. Photo: Sanamtakraw

Thailand quickly established dominance, leading 3-0 in the first set. Vietnam scored its first point through a strong attacking serve from Thanh Long but struggled with subsequent attacks and first touches. The Thai team displayed consistent performance, while Vietnam only impressed with their efforts to keep pace. Thailand then extended their lead, winning the first set 15-7.

In the second set, Vietnam again fell behind 1-3, then tried to close the gap. At one point, the score was 4-6, but imprecise plays prevented the team from maintaining their pursuit. Thailand led 11-5, then concluded the set 15-6, securing a 2-0 overall victory.

The sepak takraw bronze is Vietnam's 19th medal at ASIAD 2026, comprising one gold, one silver, and 17 bronze medals. This also marks Vietnam's first medal since 25/9, after the delegation failed to secure any additional medals on 26-27/9.

Earlier, sepak takraw also presented a gold medal opportunity when the women's team defeated South Korea 2-0 in the women's doubles semifinals. Nguyen Thi Thu Trang and Le Thi Hong Lien won with scores of 15-6, 15-13, advancing to the final against the Philippines at 7 a.m. on 29/9, Hanoi time.

The women's team had a slow start, trailing South Korea 6-3 in the first set. The coaching staff then substituted Nguyen Thi Khanh Ly with Hong Lien. This adjustment helped Vietnam turn the tide, scoring 12 consecutive points to close the set 15-6.

In the second set, South Korea again built a lead of 5-1, then 7-3. Vietnam persistently chased, leveling the score at 7-7. The two teams vied for points thereafter. With the score at 14-13, Hong Lien's serve caused the opponent to mishandle their first touch, allowing Vietnam to conclude the set 15-13.

Vietnam's opponent in the final will be the Philippines, who defeated Laos 15-12, 15-10 in the other semifinal.

Beyond sepak takraw, the competition on 28/9 also saw Trinh Thu Vinh finish 4th in the women's 25m pistol final.

In boxing, Luu Diem Quynh defeated Khoshkhabar Oghani Parmida of Iran 5-0 in the women's 75kg quarter-finals. This result advances her to the semifinals, guaranteeing at least a bronze medal, as this sport does not hold a third-place match. Nguyen Thi Tam had also previously qualified for the semifinals, ensuring two Vietnamese boxers will win medals.

Hoang An