Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet, however, has several promising young players at his disposal, including Anh Thao and Quynh Huong.

Vietnam immediately took control of the match, overwhelming Qatar from the opening exchanges.

Quynh Huong, Nhu Anh, Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and their teammates repeatedly found ways through Qatar's defense as Vietnam raced to a 25-3 victory in the opening set.

Anh Thao sealed the first set with an ace.

Qatar improved their first-pass reception early in the second set, but Vietnam remained firmly in command.

With Quynh Huong producing a series of points and Qatar's block struggling to keep pace with the Vietnamese attack, Nguyen Tuan Kiet's team pulled away again.

Anh Thao finished the second set with a powerful spike as Vietnam took it 25-8 to move within one set of victory.

There was little change in the third.

Vietnam quickly established another lead, while Qatar's players struggled to slow their opponents despite continuing to battle for points.

Vietnam led 14-5 midway through the set before closing it out 25-9, completing the straight-sets victory.

The result gives Vietnam a comfortable start to their Asian Games campaign before their second Group D match against Hong Kong, China, at 2 p.m. on Sept. 17.

Vietnam will then face South Korea at the same time on Sept. 18.

The 2026 Asian Games women's indoor volleyball tournament features 14 teams divided into four groups, with two groups of three teams and two groups of four.

Vietnam are in Group D alongside South Korea, Hong Kong, China, and Qatar.

Nguyen Tuan Kiet's team have set their sights on reaching the Asian Games semifinals.

The tournament comes after a difficult period for the Vietnamese side. They struggled at the 2026 SEA V League before finishing seventh at the Asian championship.

Their emphatic opening victory over Qatar provides a timely confidence boost, but tougher challenges await as Vietnam pursue their semifinal target.

Dai Nam