On the afternoon of August 18, Dang Thi Hong and her teammates on Vietnam’s U21 women’s volleyball team arrived in Hanoi, concluding their journey at the 2025 FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship.

The team’s flight landed at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi at 3:30 PM. Coach Nguyen Trong Linh and his players appeared at the arrival hall around 4:30 PM before boarding a vehicle to head into the city center.

At Noi Bai Airport, no fans gathered to greet the team. However, two officials were present to welcome them: Hoang Quoc Vinh, Head of the Elite Sports Department under the General Department of Sports and Physical Training, and Le Tri Truong, Secretary General of the Vietnam Volleyball Federation (VFV). Both congratulated the team for completing their mission at the international tournament.

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Le Tri Truong welcomes and congratulates Vietnam’s U21 team at the airport. Photo: Trung Kien

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Dang Thi Hong and her teammates had an emotionally charged tournament. Photo: Trung Kien

The most talked-about issue following the team’s return concerns a possible penalty from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), reportedly involving outside hitter Dang Thi Hong.

However, according to Le Tri Truong, the VFV has yet to receive any official notice from the FIVB. Meanwhile, the U21 coaching staff is still unsure about the reasons behind what is rumored to be a significant disciplinary action.

At the 2025 World Championship, Vietnam’s U21 team placed 19th out of 24 teams. If not for the four forfeits enforced by the FIVB, the Vietnamese squad would have recorded six wins and two losses.

The standout player for the team was 17-year-old Pham Quynh Huong, who led the team in scoring with a total of 62 points.

After returning from the world stage, the players will rejoin their respective clubs to prepare for the 2025 National Youth Club Volleyball Championship. The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 30 to September 13 at the Vinh Phuc Sports Arena in Phu Tho Province.

Dai Nam