Just days before flying to Thailand, the Vietnamese women’s volleyball team has made a sudden roster change. On December 4, head coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet confirmed that middle blocker Nguyen Thi Trinh will not compete in SEA Games 33 due to health concerns. To maintain a full 14-player squad, Kiet has urgently called up young talent Le Nhu Anh as a replacement.

Coach Kiet shared that Trinh submitted a formal request to withdraw from the national team, citing her inability to meet physical demands. The veteran expressed deep regret at having to miss the regional games, which are set to kick off in just a few days.

Nguyen Thi Trinh steps back after years of dedication

Born in 1997, Nguyen Thi Trinh has long been a key figure in Vietnam’s women's volleyball team, regularly representing the nation at major international tournaments. Though she has recently struggled with fitness and injuries due to age, her passion and energy on the court have never waned.

Her absence marks a significant loss for the team - not only in experience, but also in morale - just before one of the region’s most important sports events.

New blood: Le Nhu Anh steps up

Replacing Trinh is Le Nhu Anh, a young middle blocker from VTV Binh Dien Long An Club. She played a vital role in helping Vietnam’s U20 team secure a place in the 2025 U21 World Championship.

At only 20 years old, Nhu Anh has shown remarkable progress and is widely considered one of the most promising middle blockers in Vietnamese women’s volleyball.

Vietnam’s SEA Games campaign starts soon

The national team is scheduled to depart for Thailand on December 8. Their SEA Games 33 campaign will begin with a match against Myanmar at 3:00 p.m. on December 10. They will then face Malaysia at 12:30 p.m. on December 11, followed by a match against Indonesia at the same time on December 12.

Pressure off: Medal target adjusted to silver

Speaking with VietNamNet, Le Tri Truong, Secretary General of the Vietnam Volleyball Federation, confirmed that the Department of Sports and Physical Training has revised the team’s medal target - lowering it from gold to silver - to help ease pressure on the athletes.

Vietnam is expected to compete for the gold medal alongside strong teams from the Philippines, Indonesia, and host nation Thailand.

Dai Nam