Việt Nam (in white jersey) faced Malaysia in the AHF Women's Indoor Asia Cup. — Photo courtesy of the Asian Hockey Federation

HÀ NỘI — Two defeats against Malaysia and Kazakhstan in the opening games of Pool A at the AHF Women's Indoor Asia Cup in Thailand, show that Việt Nam are currently in a developmental phase for women's hockey.

Malaysia and Kazakhstan, both veteran teams, are among the top four women's teams in Asia. In contrast, this is Việt Nam's debut in this international event.

Việt Nam (in red) play Kazakhstan in the AHF Women's Indoor Asia Cup in Thailand on Monday. — Photo courtesy of the Asian Hockey Federation

"The Vietnamese players will undoubtedly gain valuable experience in the Asia Cup," said James Chew, CEO of the Việt Nam Hockey Federation. 

"They can only improve, and their trajectory is heading upwards. Our target is the SEA Games in Bangkok, scheduled for December 2025. Although we have a lot of work ahead of us, we need to start somewhere."

Việt Nam and Kazakhstan at the AHF Women's Indoor Asia Cup in Thailand on Monday. — Photo courtesy of the Asian Hockey Federation

Việt Nam will continue their journey with a match against Iran on Tuesday, followed by a match against Oman on Wednesday.

The Asia Cup features nine teams divided into two groups. The top three teams will secure qualification for the World Cup in Croatia next February. VNS