Vietnam’s women’s volleyball team has officially adjusted its SEA Games 33 target from gold to silver after top scorer Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen was left out of the current squad.

The decision marks a strategic recalibration for a team that had previously, for the first time, publicly aimed for the championship title at the Southeast Asian Games, set to take place this December in Thailand.

Aiming for gold - and then stepping back

Earlier in 2025, the Vietnam Volleyball Federation (VVF) surprised fans by setting the highest possible goal - winning the gold medal at SEA Games 33. This meant beating longtime powerhouse Thailand, who have claimed 12 consecutive SEA Games titles.

The optimism was grounded in strong recent performances. Over the past two years, Vietnam’s women's volleyball team has consistently improved, highlighted by securing a spot at the 2025 FIVB World Cup.

The most convincing signal of progress came at the second leg of the SEA V-League 2025 held in Ninh Binh, where Vietnam defeated Thailand to claim the championship - an unprecedented achievement for the national team.

Missing weapon: The 45-point powerhouse

Much of that historic win was thanks to Bich Tuyen. In the final match against Thailand, the 25-year-old opposite hitter single-handedly scored 45 points, overwhelming the Thai defense and sealing the victory.

However, her name is absent from the list of players called up for the current training camp.

Though Vietnam Volleyball Federation Secretary General Le Tri Truong did not confirm Bich Tuyen’s absence as the sole reason for the change in goals, he acknowledged: “It’s true that we don’t have our strongest lineup. Adjusting the target for the team is the right move.”

Reducing pressure, preparing to fight

Speaking to VietNamNet, Truong confirmed: “During a working session with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism ahead of SEA Games 33, the Department of Sports registered a revised goal for the women’s volleyball team - from gold to silver.”

He explained that beyond the incomplete lineup, the change also aims to ease pressure on the players. A relaxed mindset, he believes, will help them perform at their best. Should they manage to claim gold, it would be a spectacular result.

Ready to challenge Thailand - even without Bich Tuyen

Experts agree that missing Bich Tuyen is a significant blow, but Vietnam is still considered capable of competing head-to-head with Thailand. What the team needs now is focused preparation - tactically, physically, and mentally.

At SEA Games 33, Vietnam will compete in Group B alongside Indonesia, Myanmar, and Malaysia. Group A includes hosts and reigning champions Thailand, along with the Philippines and Singapore.

Reaching the final is well within reach for coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet’s team. Beating Thailand, however, will require every player to exceed expectations.

Reinforcements arrive from Japan: Thanh Thuy and Bich Thuy return

A boost for the squad is the return of captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, who has been in phenomenal form playing for Gunma Green Wings in Japan’s national league. Thuy has helped her team secure 10 wins and reach the top tier of the standings. She has also twice been named MVP of the match.

Middle blocker Bich Thuy, who recently debuted with Okayama SeaGulls, will also return to join the national team. Both players are set to arrive in Vietnam on December 2 to officially report for national duty - ready to lead the charge against Thailand on their home turf.

Dai Nam