Vietnam Stuns Thailand to Clinch First SEA V.League Title in Historic Comeback
Ninh Binh, The Gulf Observer: The Vietnamese national women’s volleyball team achieved a historic milestone on Sunday, defeating defending champions Thailand 3-2 in a dramatic comeback to claim their first-ever SEA V.League title in Week 2 of the 2025 tournament.
In a packed Ninh Bình Provincial Gymnasium, world No. 22 Vietnam rallied from two sets down to overcome world No. 21 Thailand — marking their first victory over their regional rivals in more than three decades and ending a streak of over 40 consecutive defeats.
Thailand, dominant in Southeast Asian volleyball with eight consecutive SEA V.League titles, took the opening sets 25-17 and 26-24 through the efforts of veterans Ajcharaporn Kongyot and Chatchu-on Moksri. Facing a daunting deficit, Vietnam regrouped and launched a relentless counterattack led by captain Trần Thị Thanh Thúy, powerhouse Nguyễn Thị Bích Tuyền, and standout performers Trần Thị Bích Thủy and Vi Thị Như Quỳnh.
The hosts won the third and fourth sets 25-17 and 25-22, pushing the match into a tense deciding set. In a nail-biting finish, Tuyền’s decisive spike secured a 16-14 victory, sparking emotional celebrations among players and fans. Tuyền delivered a record-breaking 45 points to earn the tournament’s MVP and Best Opposite Hitter awards. Quỳnh was named Best Outside Hitter, while Thủy claimed Best Middle Hitter.
“This was our last chance to test our abilities before the SEA Games,” head coach Nguyễn Tuấn Kiệt said after the match. “The players went beyond their limits, and this victory will boost their confidence as we prepare for stronger opponents in future competitions.”
Thai captain Ajcharaporn acknowledged Vietnam’s performance, stating, “They had a true finisher who delivered when it mattered. This loss will be a valuable lesson as we prepare for the World Championship and SEA Games.”
The result marks a seismic shift in Southeast Asian volleyball, as Vietnam eyes its first SEA Games gold medal in the sport later this year.
