Vietnam made a strong start to the 2026 Asian Games with a comfortable 3-0 win over Qatar in their opening group-stage match.

The victory not only strengthened their position in the race to advance but also gave the Vietnamese players confidence ahead of their remaining Group D fixtures.

In their second match, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet’s side will take on Hong Kong, another opponent considered less challenging than Vietnam’s leading rivals at the Games.

Despite entering as the stronger side, Kiet is expected to approach the match carefully as he balances the need to secure qualification with managing his squad ahead of tougher opposition.

Against Qatar, the 1976-born coach fielded his strongest lineup in the opening set before giving substitutes and younger players more court time in the second and third sets.

The approach allowed key players to conserve energy while giving less experienced members of the squad an opportunity to compete on the Asian Games stage.

A similar strategy could be used against Hong Kong, although Vietnam will be looking to ensure victory and secure their quarterfinal place as early as possible.

With their first two group opponents out of the way, Vietnam would then be able to turn their attention to their most important Group D encounter, against South Korea on Sept. 18.

Vietnam and Hong Kong will meet at 2 p.m. on Sept. 17 at Park Arena Komaki in Komaki, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

Dai Nam