Vietnam will defend their title at the VTV Cup on August 3-11. Photo vtv.vn

The national team of Vietnam are in Group A with Altay club from Kazakhstan and National Taipei University. Group B includes NEC Club of Japan, Fujian from China and the North Korean and Australian national teams.

They will compete in a round robin format in the group stage, with the two top teams straight through to the semi-finals.

The second-placed team of Group A will face the third-placed team of Group B in the first quarter-final match, and second-placed team of Group B will meet the third-placed team of Group A in the second quarter-final.

According to organisers, this competition format will give all teams more chances to play.

The champions will receive US$10,000, while the first runners-up will get $7,000 and the second runners-up will have $5,000.

Organisers will also present award for fair-play team and best individuals.

Last year, Vietnam beat North Korea 25-14, 25-19, 25-15 to take the trophy.

VNS