The Vietnam Volleyball Federation (VFV) has taken swift steps with the women’s national volleyball team to prevent incidents similar to what occurred with the U21 team before the 2025 World Championship in Thailand.

Thailand leaves gender testing on the table

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Thailand will host the 2025 World Championship. Photo: SAVA

Thailand will host the 2025 Volleyball World Championship from August 22. Ahead of the tournament, Somporn Chaibangyang, President of the Thailand Volleyball Association (TVA), made headlines with comments about possible gender checks.

Speaking to the press, Somporn revealed that the host’s organizing committee was in discussions with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) about gender verification at the women’s world championship.

“We have concerns about gender issues. The medical department of the Asian Volleyball Confederation or the FIVB must provide a stance on this matter,” he said.

The issue has sparked debate after Thai star Pimpichayat posted on social media: “I am a real woman,” a sarcastic remark directed at another player following the first leg of the SEA V-League.

At the U21 World Championship in Indonesia, FIVB reportedly conducted gender checks on some players, with one Vietnamese U21 player disqualified under strict sanctions.

Preventive measures before the world stage

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Vietnam’s women’s volleyball team remains confident ahead of the World Championship. Photo: SAVA

Vietnam’s women’s team is among the 32 nations competing at the 2025 World Championship. In response to concerns over stricter gender checks in Thailand, VFV Secretary General Le Tri Truong said the federation has yet to receive any official notice from the host or FIVB.

“As of now, FIVB has not issued any formal document on gender checks at the championship. We always comply with regulations, and every tournament has clear rules,” Le Tri Truong confirmed.

Nonetheless, VFV plans to work closely with the women’s team to ensure all requirements are met, not only on gender verification but also regarding documents, doping controls, and eligibility. The federation will review and consult with coaches and athletes, drawing lessons from the U21 team’s experience.

The national women’s team is currently training in Hanoi. Before traveling to Thailand, Bich Tuyen and her teammates will face Kenya and Spain in friendly matches at Dong Anh Gymnasium from August 16-18.

According to the roster submitted by VFV, Vietnam’s squad includes 14 players, all familiar names from recent tournaments such as the AVC Nations Cup 2025, VTV Cup 2025, and SEA V-League 2025. The lineup features Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, Vi Thi Nhu Quynh, Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen, Doan Thi Lam Oanh, Tran Thi Bich Thuy, and Nguyen Khanh Dang.

The 2025 World Championship will take place in Thailand from August 22 to September 7, gathering the world’s 32 strongest teams. Vietnam has been drawn in Group G with Poland, Germany, and Kenya.

Dai Nam