Vietnam secures early quarter-final berth at women's volleyball ASIAD 2026

Defeating Hong Kong 3-0 in their second Group D match, Vietnam advanced to the quarter-finals with one game to spare in the women's volleyball event at ASIAD 2026 on the afternoon of 17/9.

Vietnam's women's volleyball team secured an early spot in the quarter-finals of ASIAD 2026 after a decisive 3-0 victory over Hong Kong on 17/9. This win, achieved at the Park Arena Komaki in Komaki city, Aichi province, Japan, ensures their progression with one match remaining in the group stage. The team's strong performance builds on their earlier success against Qatar.

Unlike the easy victory against Qatar in the first match on 16/9, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet fielded his strongest lineup against Hong Kong. The experienced core of the team, including outside hitter Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, libero Nguyen Khanh Dang, setter Vo Thi Kim Thoa, and middle blocker Tran Thi Bich Thuy, started the match. They were strategically combined with promising young talents: outside hitter Pham Quynh Huong (18), Bui Thi Anh Thao (17), and Le Nhu Anh (21), aiming for a balanced and dynamic attack.

In the first set, Vietnam showcased diverse attacks. Kim Thoa's precise sets allowed Thanh Thuy, Bich Thuy, Quynh Huong, and Anh Thao to score points alternately. However, Vietnam's block still showed some deficiencies, occasionally allowing Hong Kong to penetrate the defense. Despite this, Vietnam maintained control and won the set 25-22 after 26 minutes.

Outside hitter Pham Quynh Huong attacks against the opposing block during Vietnam's 3-0 victory over Hong Kong in the second Group D match of the women's indoor volleyball event at ASIAD 2026, held at Park Arena Komaki, Komaki city, Aichi province, Japan on 17/9/2026. Photo: VFV

Vietnam significantly improved its defensive strategy in the second set, successfully anticipating the opponent's playing style. The players tightened their blocks and made fewer serving errors, leading to a comfortable 25-12 win after 22 minutes. For the third set, Thanh Thuy and Anh Thao were replaced by Luu Thi Hue and Nguyen Thi Tra My. Despite the substitutions, Vietnam's dominance remained unchanged, securing a 25-18 victory and completing a decisive 3-0 sweep over Hong Kong.

The most outstanding player for Vietnam was the youngest, Quynh Huong, who scored 14 points, matching Bich Thuy's contribution. Following them were Thanh Thuy with 10 points, and Anh Thao and Tra My, each contributing 9 points.

Tomorrow, 18/9, Vietnam will face South Korea in a crucial match to determine the top spot in the group.