Vietnam’s women’s volleyball team has arrived in Tianjin for the 2026 Asian Championship, but a last-minute health issue has reduced the squad to 13 players ahead of a demanding group-stage campaign.
Vietnam’s women’s volleyball team arrived in Tianjin, China, on August 19 ready for the 2026 Asian Championship, where some of the continent’s strongest teams and valuable international qualification places await.
However, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet’s preparations suffered a setback before the tournament had even begun, with outside hitter Vi Thi Nhu Quynh withdrawing at the last minute because of health problems.
Nhu Quynh had originally been named in Vietnam’s 14-player squad alongside Nguyen Khanh Dang, Le Thi Yen, Nguyen Thi Uyen, Nguyen Thi Tra My, Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, Pham Quynh Huong, Bui Thi Anh Thao, Luu Thi Hue, Tran Thi Bich Thuy, Le Nhu Anh, Le Thanh Thuy, Vo Thi Kim Thoa and Vi Thi Yen Nhi.
Her withdrawal leaves Vietnam with only 13 players for the continental tournament.
Vi Thi Nhu Quynh (left) will miss the Asian Championship after withdrawing because of health problems. Photo: S.N
The absence represents a significant loss for the team. Alongside captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, Nhu Quynh, who plays for Hanoi Tasco Auto, is one of Vietnam’s key attacking options and leading point scorers.
Vietnam will now have to adjust quickly, with the team scheduled for just one training session before opening its campaign against South Korea.
Despite the setback, the players appeared relaxed after arriving in Tianjin, with a number of younger faces expected to be given opportunities at the tournament. Anh Thao and Quynh Huong are among those carrying expectations as part of the next generation.
Tra My is also included in the squad, while Thanh Thuy remains the team’s central figure and attacking leader. After the Asian Championship and the Asian Games, she is scheduled to return to Japan.
A formidable group awaits
Vietnam will compete with only 13 players at the continental tournament. Photo: Vietcontent
The 2026 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship features 12 teams: hosts China, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Iran, Hong Kong (China), Australia, Indonesia and Iraq.
Vietnam have been drawn in Group C alongside Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong (China), presenting Thanh Thuy and her teammates with a difficult route through the opening stage.
The challenge is particularly significant given what is at stake.
The tournament champion will earn a direct berth at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, while the top three teams will qualify for the 2027 World Championship.
Vietnam enter the tournament as the reigning AVC Cup champions after winning the title in 2025, adding another layer of expectation to their campaign in Tianjin.
With Nhu Quynh unavailable, much of the attacking responsibility will inevitably fall on Thanh Thuy and the remaining hitters. At the same time, the tournament offers Vietnam’s younger players an opportunity to prove themselves against some of Asia’s strongest opposition.
Vietnam squad for the 2026 Asian Championship
Setters: Vo Thi Kim Thoa, Vi Thi Yen Nhi Opposite: Nguyen Thi Tra My Outside hitters: Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, Pham Quynh Huong, Nguyen Thi Uyen, Bui Thi Anh Thao Middle blockers: Tran Thi Bich Thuy, Le Nhu Anh, Luu Thi Hue, Le Thanh Thuy Liberos: Nguyen Khanh Dang, Le Thi Yen
Vietnamnet.vn
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