Vietnam women's volleyball team 'learning to live' without Bich Tuyen

22/08/2025 06:45:00 PANDATV

The Vietnam women's volleyball team faces a major challenge at the 2025 World Championship with a completely new lineup due to the absence of their star player Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen.

1. Bich Tuyen has long been a cornerstone of the team, serving as the main offensive spearhead with impressive achievements. Most recently, she scored 45 points in the SEA V.League 2025 final, helping Vietnam defeat Thailand for the first time. She is ranked among the Top 100 best athletes worldwide and leads Asia in the opposite hitter position. Her sudden withdrawal leaves a significant gap, especially since Coach Tuan Kiet often relied on her in critical moments.

This absence directly impacts the team’s attacking strength. Bich Tuyen contributed 42% of the points in the SEA V.League final, and now the remaining opposite hitter Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh struggles to fill that role. Trinh has had limited playing time, is physically smaller (1.77m compared to 1.88m – approach jump 2.99m vs. 3.10m), and has not fully regained form after a 2023 injury. The coaching staff tested main attackers Vi Thi Nhu Quynh and Nguyen Thi Uyen at the opposite hitter position in a friendly against Kenya, but the results were only average, raising concerns among experts.

In Phuket, Vietnam (ranked 22nd by FIVB) is in Group G with Poland (3rd), Germany (11th), and Kenya (23rd). Without Bich Tuyen, the offense risks being overwhelmed by the opponents’ superior speed and physicality, especially in the opening match on August 23 against Poland.

The withdrawal of Bich Tuyen presents an opportunity for the Vietnam women's volleyball team to adapt to playing without her. Photo ON Sports

2.However, this also allows Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet to implement strategic changes, focusing on team strength rather than relying on one individual. First, the team will emphasize the role of middle blockers, notably Tran Thi Bich Thuy. Trained in the Korean league, Bich Thuy (1.84m) has shined in recent international tournaments like the AVC Nations Cup, VTV Cup, and SEA V.League with her quick attacks that catch opponents off guard. Besides effective offense, she excels in blocking, promising to be a key player in Phuket. Additionally, captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy will play a crucial role in leading the team. Although not yet back to her peak form after last year’s injury, Thanh Thuy still provides strong defense, from serve reception to blocking, helping stabilize team morale.

Coach Tuan Kiet may adjust tactics by distributing the ball more evenly, avoiding focusing on a single position as before. Libero Nguyen Khanh Dang, with agility and sharpness, will be vital in making spectacular saves, boosting team spirit and facilitating smooth attacks. Backup options like Nguyen Thi Trinh, Nguyen Thi Uyen, Pham Thi Hien, Nguyen Thi Phuong, and Le Thanh Thuy are ready to support when the team faces difficulties. Testing Nhu Quynh at opposite hitter in the friendly against Kenya is a positive step, encouraging young players to prove themselves. Although these changes make it hard for Vietnam to compete strongly in Group G—where the top two teams advance to the knockout stage—they will build resilience for bigger matches.

3. We cannot rule out the possibility that Bich Tuyen might also miss SEA Games 33, forcing the team to develop a playing style independent of her. Therefore, the World Championship becomes a crucial test. From here, the team will gain experience facing top teams, improving teamwork and solid defense. Coach Tuan Kiet needs to find new talents from the second phase of the National Championship to strengthen the squad and ensure diversity in the lineup.

The absence of Bich Tuyen is an opportunity to prove the team’s resilience, as they have overcome challenges in recent tournaments. If they adapt well in Phuket, Vietnam will be more confident in competing for the SEA Games gold medal, where rival Thailand awaits.

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