Head coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet has called up 20 players to the Vietnam women’s national volleyball team ahead of a packed 2025 competition schedule. Notably, middle blocker Tran Thi Bich Thuy returns to the squad.

Bich Thuy impressed with her standout performances for GS Caltex in South Korea’s national volleyball league, earning her a well-deserved recall. Her current form and discipline have made her a key figure in Coach Kiet’s plans.

Also returning is outside hitter Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, who missed the 2024 VTV Cup due to overseas commitments.

In the outside hitter position, alongside Thanh Thuy are Vi Thi Nhu Quynh, Nguyen Thi Phuong, Nguyen Thi Uyen, Dang Thi Hong, and Bui Thi Anh Thao. Nguyen Thi Phuong has stood out playing for Thong Tin Dong Bac in the first round of the national championship and the recent Hung Vuong Cup.

Nguyen Thi Uyen, Dang Thi Hong, and Bui Thi Anh Thao are promising younger players given a chance to learn from their more experienced teammates.

The middle blockers include familiar names such as Nguyen Thi Trinh, Le Thanh Thuy, Tran Thi Bich Thuy, Pham Thi Hien, and Nguyen Phuong Quynh. The opposite hitters are Bich Tuyen, Kieu Trinh, and Tra My.

Setters called up are Doan Thi Lam Oanh, Vo Thi Kim Thoa, and Vi Thi Yen Nhi, while the libero positions are filled by Nguyen Khanh Dang, Luu Thi Ly Ly, and Nguyen Thi Ninh Anh.

As expected, Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet’s squad features many seasoned players with years of national team experience.

Absent from the list is Tu Linh, who is recovering from injury. Veteran Tra Giang has not been called up, likely due to age considerations.

A number of young players have been given the opportunity to train with the squad, though they will have to prove themselves to secure one of the 14 final spots.

The Vietnam women’s volleyball team has a busy 2025 schedule, including several major tournaments: the World Cup (August 22–September 7), AVC Challenge Cup (June 8–15), SEA V-League Stage 1 in Vietnam and Stage 2 in Thailand (both in August), VTV Cup (June 28–July 5), and SEA Games 33 (December 7–19).

According to the Vietnam Volleyball Federation, the 2025 AVC Challenge Cup will be hosted in Vietnam from June 7 to 14 at the Dong Anh Gymnasium in Hanoi.

This will mark the fourth season of the AVC Challenge Cup, and Vietnam are two-time defending champions, having defeated Indonesia and Kazakhstan in the past two finals.

Dai Nam