VietNamNet Bridge – Top Vietnamese volleyballer Nguyen Huu Ha has officially resumed his training with his new team Duc Long-Gia Lai club on Wednesday after a year on the sidelines.

Ha, aged 30, was banned from domestic competitions following his contract controversy with Trang An Ninh Binh last year when he moved to a new team Duc Long-Gia Lai.

"I will try all my best in training to regain top form. I had a missing year from competition with both local and national team," said Ha.

Duc Long-Gia Lai had to pay VND1.35 billion (US$61,400) to entice him from Ninh Binh to Gia Lai in a record five-year transfer.

The Gia Lai-based team have eye on winning the First Division to gain promotion to the Premier League next year.

"Ha is one of the best volleyball players in Viet Nam. He has proved his power through the National Volleyball Championships in 2009 and Asian Volleyball Cup in the Philippines," said chairman of Duc Long group, Bui Phap.

"I believe Ha will help Duc Long-Gia Lai success at the tournament this year," he added.

The team have been training in the southern province of Vinh Long in preparation for the beginning of the First Division season later this month.

According to Viet Nam Volleyball Federation general secretary Tran Duc Phan, Ha is an experienced and skilful player, and key member of the national team.

In 2005, Ha helped Viet Nam finish third in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines.

At the 24th SEA Games in Thailand in 2007, Ha helped the national team take the silver medal.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News