Vietnamese volleyball player Dang Thi Hong is considering early retirement at age 19 after being banned from competing in domestic tournaments. She has expressed a desire to pursue higher education and shift her focus toward coaching. The Vietnam Volleyball Federation (VFV) has pledged to support her new direction.

“Dang Thi Hong wishes to enroll at the Bac Ninh University of Physical Education and Sports. The VFV and relevant agencies will provide the best possible conditions for her to study,” said VFV Secretary General Le Tri Truong.

However, Truong emphasized that her transition to academics depends on several factors, including financial resources.

Currently, Dang Thi Hong is under the management of the Thai Nguyen provincial team. She was loaned to the Vietinbank Volleyball Club for the first phase of the National Volleyball Championship and later represented Vietnam’s U21 team at the VTV Cup and the 2025 U21 World Championship, prior to receiving sanctions from both the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and the VFV.

If circumstances do not change, Dang Thi Hong may be forced to retire at 19. With an indefinite suspension from the VFV, there is no clear timeline for her return to professional play. In the meantime, aside from her base salary from her club, she has been selling products online to earn additional income.

In a related development, after coaching the youth team of VTV Binh Dien Long An at the 2025 National Youth Club Championship, former national team player Nguyen Ngoc Hoa has officially been appointed head coach of the first team. She and her squad will travel to Thailand to compete in the international Sealect Cup 2025 on September 14.

Dai Nam