(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Thailand & Vietnam Thrill Fans With Back-to-Back Five-Set Volleyball Battles Ahead of World Championships
In an electrifying build-up to the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship, Asian powerhouses Thailand and Vietnam treated fans to two unforgettable clashes in the Women’s Southeast Asian Volleyball League (SEA V League).
The tournament, featuring Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia, was split into two separate single round-robin events. In both legs, Thailand and Vietnam dominated their opening matches, defeating the Philippines and Indonesia to set up decisive finals that went the full five sets.
Leg 1 – Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Thailand edged out Vietnam 3-2 (23-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-17, 15-11) to lift the trophy. Pimpichaya Kokram, Thailand’s 27-year-old opposite spiker, was named Most Valuable Player (MVP).
The Dream Team included:
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Setter: Pornpun Guedpard (Thailand)
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Opposite: Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen (Vietnam)
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Outside Hitters: Angel Anne Canino (Philippines), Ajcharaporn Kongyot (Thailand)
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Middle Blockers: Thatdao Nuekjang (Thailand), Tran Thi Bich Thuy (Vietnam)
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Libero: Nguyen Khanh Dang (Vietnam)
Leg 2 – Ninh Binh, Vietnam
The rematch was equally dramatic. Vietnam rallied from two sets down to stun Thailand 3-2 (17-25, 24-26, 25-17, 25-22, 16-14), claiming their first-ever SEA V League gold. This time, Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen shined as MVP.
The second leg’s Dream Team featured:
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Setter: Pornpun Guedpard (Thailand)
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Opposite: Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen (Vietnam)
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Outside Hitters: Chatchu-On Moksri (Thailand), Vi Thi Nhu Quynh (Vietnam)
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Middle Blockers: Tran Thi Bich Thuy (Vietnam), Wimonrat Thanapan (Thailand)
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Libero: Ylizyeth Justine Jazareno (Philippines)
Looking Ahead to the 2025 World Championships
Thailand will host the prestigious event from August 25 to September 7, with matches in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Phuket. The Thai team will begin their campaign in Pool A against Egypt, Sweden, and the Netherlands, while Vietnam will play in Pool D in Phuket against Poland, Germany, and Kenya.
Fans can expect more high-intensity action as both teams look to carry their SEA V League form into the World Championships.
