Vietnam and Thailand Set Up Epic Final Showdown in SEA V League Women’s Week 1

 

Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand – August 2, 2025 — Southeast Asia’s volleyball giants, Vietnam and Thailand, maintained their perfect records on Saturday, paving the way for a thrilling title-decider on the final day of the BYD – 5th SEA V League Women’s Week 1, hosted at the vibrant Terminal Hall inside Terminal 21 Korat Shopping Mall.

Both teams remain unbeaten after two rounds, with Vietnam overcoming a determined Philippines squad 3-1 and hosts Thailand staging a remarkable comeback to down Indonesia by the same scoreline. With identical two-win records and six points each, the regional heavyweights are now set for a much-anticipated clash to determine the Week 1 champions.

Vietnam Passes a Stiff Test from the Philippines

The Vietnamese side displayed resilience and focus in their 25-13, 25-21, 23-25, 25-9 victory over the Philippines. Despite dropping the third set, Vietnam quickly regained control, led by a dominant performance from star outside hitter Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen. Tuyen delivered an all-around masterclass with 23 points, including 18 kills, three blocks, and two service aces. Key support came from Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Nguyen Thi Uyen, who contributed 15 points each.

Vietnam captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy acknowledged the Philippines’ growth: “They gave Thailand a tough time, so we didn’t underestimate them. Losing a set was a wake-up call, but we stayed mentally strong. Tomorrow will be even tougher against Thailand.”

Thailand Rallies After Early Shock from Indonesia

In the day’s second match, defending champions Thailand, world No.20, overcame a first-set setback to beat Indonesia 22-25, 25-15, 27-25, 25-12. Fielding several second-string players to test bench depth, Thailand initially struggled without key figures like setter Pornpun Guedpard and captain Chatchu-on Moksri.

Indonesia took advantage of this, securing the first set through sharp execution and a balanced attack. However, Thailand regrouped swiftly. Sasipaporn Janthawisut powered the home side with 19 points, while Donphon Sinpho and Waruni Kanram added 16 and 14 points respectively. Once head coach Danai Sriwacharamaytakul reintroduced key starters, Thailand stabilized and dominated the final two sets with improved rhythm and energy.

“It was intense but enjoyable,” said Sasipaporn post-match. “Coach trusted us with this opportunity. We had to overcome nerves after the first set, but we eventually found our rhythm.”

Final Day Fixtures Set the Stage

As the first leg in Nakhon Ratchasima draws to a close, all eyes now turn to Sunday’s double-header. At 13:30, the Philippines and Indonesia—both winless—will fight for third place. The highlight, however, comes at 17:00, when Vietnam and Thailand face off in a high-stakes battle to decide the SEA V League Women’s Week 1 champions.

With pride, rankings, and regional bragging rights on the line, Sunday promises a thrilling conclusion to an already captivating tournament.

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Vietnam’s Authority and Thailand’s Grit Shine on Opening Day of SEA V League Women’s Week 1

 

Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand – August 1, 2025:

The 5th SEA V League Women’s Week 1 tipped off with a thrilling showcase of Southeast Asia’s volleyball evolution. In front of an energized crowd at Terminal 21’s indoor Terminal Hall, hosts Thailand weathered a stern test from a transformed Philippine side to win 3-1, while Vietnam served notice of their title ambitions with a ruthless straight-sets dismantling of Indonesia.

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Thailand 3–1 Philippines (17-25, 26-24, 25-20, 25-20)

The match was expected to be a comfortable start for the seven-time SEA V League champions, but the Philippines tore up the script early, exploiting Thailand’s slow start and second-string lineup. Thailand's decision to rest attacking spearheads Pimpichaya Kokram and Ajcharaporn Kongyot nearly backfired, as their replacements struggled with consistency in both serve reception and attacking transitions.

The Philippines pounced with well-structured offense led by Eya Laure and Alyssa Solomon. Their service pressure and aggressive wing attacks exposed gaps in Thailand’s floor defense, culminating in a dominant 25-17 first set—the first time the Philippines had taken a set from Thailand in this competition since 2019.

Tactical Turnaround:
Thailand’s recalibration in the second set proved decisive. With their backs to the wall, coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai deployed his full arsenal, reintroducing Pimpichaya and Ajcharaporn. The offense shifted from hesitant to clinical. Pimpichaya’s straight-line hitting and Ajcharaporn’s smart shot selection added width and unpredictability to Thailand’s game.

Thailand also addressed their earlier sideout struggles by tightening first-ball reception and relying on quicker middle plays, reducing the effectiveness of the Philippines’ block timing. Setter Pornpun Guedpard’s experience in reading the defense became a key asset as the match wore on.

Though the Filipinas maintained composure and even had a set point in the second, Thailand’s late-set execution proved too polished. Once level at 1-1, the hosts gradually asserted dominance, improving both their blocking efficiency and defensive coverage to control the next two sets.

Key Stats:

• Pimpichaya Kokram: 18 points (17 attacks, 1 ace)

• Ajcharaporn Kongyot: 13 points

• Alyssa Solomon (PHI): Match-high 20 points (16 kills, 2 blocks, 2 aces)

Insight:
Thailand remain vulnerable when key players are rotated, particularly in ball control phases. The Philippines, however, have evolved into a structured, tactically aware unit. Their middle tempo sets, sharper floor defense, and targeted serving could challenge more established teams consistently.

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Vietnam 3–0 Indonesia (25-11, 25-11, 25-22)

Vietnam sent a powerful message with a ruthless takedown of Indonesia, led by the attacking pair of Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh. The Vietnamese imposed early authority with high service pressure, using flat, deep serves to disrupt Indonesia’s reception rhythm.

What followed was a systematic breakdown of Indonesia’s structure. With clean passing, Vietnam ran their signature quick combinations and spread the offense expertly across all zones. Setter Nguyen Linh Chi was instrumental, alternating between fast middle dumps and wide tempo balls to keep Indonesia guessing.

The first two sets were completely one-sided, as Vietnam’s block-defend-transition cycle functioned like clockwork. Megawati Hangestri, Indonesia’s primary scoring threat, was often left to swing against a well-formed block, or from off-balance positions due to broken play.

Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet’s decision to rotate players in the third set gave Indonesia a brief opening. With Vu Thi Kim Thoa and Pham Thi Hien stepping in, Vietnam showed some looseness in cohesion, and Indonesia managed to draw level at 21-all. But a late surge, anchored by Thanh Thuy’s controlled kills and Nguyen Thi Uyen’s serve run, closed the door.

Key Stats:

• Tran Thi Thanh Thuy & Kieu Trinh: 12 points each

• Arsela Nuari Pumama & Megawati (INA): 11 and 10 points respectively

Insight:
Vietnam’s tempo and first-contact discipline are unmatched so far. Their balance of power and precision gives them the edge in execution. Indonesia, despite their raw power, lack the cohesion to survive long rallies or maintain system play against top-tier teams.

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Standings After Day 1

Team	W-L	Sets Won-Lost	Points
Vietnam	1-0	3-0	3
Thailand	1-0	3-1	3
Philippines	0-1	1-3	0
Indonesia	0-1	0-3	0

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What’s Next?

• Thailand vs Indonesia: Thailand will aim to fine-tune their chemistry and iron out reception flaws.

• Vietnam vs Philippines: A compelling rematch of the AVC Nations Cup final. Vietnam’s system play will be tested by the Filipinas’ momentum and dynamic attack.

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Conclusion

Vietnam look sharp, structured, and in sync. Thailand have the depth, but face early questions on consistency. The Philippines have emerged as true dark horses with tactical maturity and fearless execution, while Indonesia must find a better rhythm if they aim to challenge. The SEA V League is clearly no longer a two-horse race.

🏐 Indonesia Crowned Champions as SEA Men’s V.League 2025 Showcases Regional Volleyball Brilliance

 

Jakarta, July 22 — In what proved to be one of the most hotly contested editions of the SEA Men’s V.League yet, Indonesia emerged as overall champions of the 2025 tournament after a commanding second leg performance on home soil in Jakarta. The tournament, which featured defending champions Thailand, an increasingly competitive Vietnam, host Philippines, and debutants Cambodia, confirmed the rising standard of volleyball across Southeast Asia.

The two-leg round-robin event — held in Candon, Philippines (July 9–13) and Jakarta, Indonesia (July 16–20) — saw momentum swing from the more seasoned Thailand to a re-energized Indonesian squad that went undefeated in the second leg.

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🔥 Tournament Recap

🇵🇭 Leg 1 – Candon, Philippines

Thailand showed early intent, defeating Indonesia 3–1 in the opener and finishing top of the table. Vietnam produced a gritty campaign, pushing Indonesia to five sets, while Philippines delighted home fans with a straight-sets win over Vietnam but struggled to maintain consistency. Cambodia, in their maiden V.League appearance, fought hard but ended without a win.

Final Standings (Leg 1):

1. Thailand (3–1, 9 pts)

2. Indonesia (3–1, 8 pts)

3. Vietnam (2–2, 7 pts)

4. Philippines (1–3, 3 pts)

5. Cambodia (0–4, 1 pt)

🏅 MVP: Amorntep Konhan (Thailand)

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🇮🇩 Leg 2 – Jakarta, Indonesia

With the pressure on at home, Indonesia responded with ferocity, winning all four of their matches — including pulsating five-set victories over the Philippines and Thailand. Vietnam impressed once again, notably stunning Thailand 3–2 and edging the Philippines 3–1.

Final Standings (Leg 2):

1. Indonesia (4–0, 10 pts)

2. Vietnam (3–1, 8 pts)

3. Thailand (2–2, 7 pts)

4. Philippines (1–3, 5 pts)

5. Cambodia (0–4, 0 pts)

🏅 MVP: Boy Arnez Arabi (Indonesia)

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🎙️ Coach & Player Reactions

🗣️ Coach Jiang Jie (Indonesia):

“We knew after Candon that we had to be perfect at home. The boys showed heart and improved technically in the blocking department. Winning all four games, especially that thriller against Thailand, is a testament to our preparation and mental strength.”

🗣️ Boy Arnez Arabi (Indonesia), Leg 2 MVP:

“Playing in front of home fans gave me a boost. Every set mattered, and we fought for every point. This victory belongs to the whole team — from our libero to the last man on the bench.”

🗣️ Coach Park Ki-won (Vietnam):

“We are closing the gap. Our five-set win over Thailand shows our growth. We need to sharpen our service game, but we are on the right track.”

🗣️ Amorntep Konhan (Thailand), Leg 1 MVP:

“The team started strong, but we lost focus in Jakarta. Credit to Indonesia and Vietnam — they’ve really improved. We’ll bounce back.”

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⭐ Player Performances of Note

• Boy Arnez Arabi (Indonesia): Proved unstoppable in Leg 2, delivering kill after kill and rallying the crowd behind the team.

• Rivan Nurmulki (Indonesia): Consistent and clinical at the net, offering stability during crunch points.

• Nguyen Van Nam (Vietnam): Set the tempo for Vietnam with clever distribution and intelligent floor defense.

• Amorntep Konhan (Thailand): The veteran opposite hitter led Leg 1 with power, precision, and poise.

• Steven Rotoni (Philippines): Sparked home support in Candon with a 21-point match against Vietnam.

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🌍 What This Means for Southeast Asia

With Indonesia’s resurgence, Vietnam’s strong tactical evolution, and Thailand’s consistent pedigree, the 2025 SEA V.League solidified its role as a key pre-SEA Games litmus test.

📈 Key Takeaways:

• Indonesia’s bench depth and mental toughness were tournament-defining.

• Vietnam’s youth pipeline is producing results, with several under-23 players holding their own.

• Thailand’s transition phase might require tactical rethinking with younger blood on the horizon.

• Philippines, though unpredictable, remain dangerous on home soil and with better cohesion could contend seriously by 2026.

• Cambodia’s entry is a major step in regional development. Though winless, they earned praise for effort and discipline.

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🧭 The Road Ahead

• World Rankings Impact: Indonesia and Vietnam are set to climb in AVC and FIVB standings following this campaign.

• Talent Development: Several breakout performers are expected to be scouted by pro leagues in Japan, Korea, and Europe.

• SEA Games 2026 (Malaysia): This V.League served as a preview of what’s to come in the region’s biggest multi-sport event.

“This is no longer a two-team race,” said ASEAN Volleyball Federation technical director Thomas Lim. “Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand are now trading punches, and that’s what the SEA V.League was meant to deliver.”

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🏐 Final Standings – Combined Table

Team	Wins	Total Points	Legs Won
Indonesia	7	18	🏆 Leg 2
Thailand	5	16	🏆 Leg 1
Vietnam	5	15	—
Philippines	2	8	—
Cambodia	0	1	—

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📸 Visual Highlights

• 🇮🇩 Indonesia celebrating a 15–13 fifth-set win over Thailand in front of a packed Jakarta crowd.

• 🇻🇳 Vietnam’s bench erupting after sealing the comeback vs. Thailand.

• 🇰🇭 Cambodia’s players bowing to fans after their final match — a symbolic first step in international volleyball.

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📰 Editor’s Note

The 2025 SEA Men’s V.League didn't just crown a champion — it lit a fire. From the thunder of Jakarta to the passion in Candon, this was volleyball at its rawest and most promising. If this is a preview of the SEA Games to come, fans across the region are in for something special.

Hong Kong stages inspiring comeback to reverse two set lead to beat India in the 2025 AVC Women's Nations Cup

 

After suffering a 0-3 defeat to Vietnam in their opening match of the 2025 AVC Nations Cup, the Hong Kong women's volleyball team entered their second match against India under considerable pressure.

The tension was evident early on, as the team in white committed 14 unforced errors in the first two sets, allowing India to take a commanding 2-0 lead.

However, trailing seemed to liberate the Hong Kong players. Playing with renewed determination, key attackers WL Chim and team captain YC Yu stepped up, becoming pivotal in turning the game around. Hong Kong mounted an inspiring comeback, eventually defeating India 3-2 (22-25, 18-25, 25-15, 25-21, 18-16) in a thrilling match held on the evening of June 8 at Dong Anh Stadium in Hanoi.

This encounter is widely regarded as the most exhilarating and emotionally charged match of the tournament so far. As the final point secured their comeback victory, the Hong Kong players were overwhelmed with emotion—many shed tears of joy, and the celebrations among players and coaches mirrored those of a championship win.

Historically, Hong Kong has struggled in Asian volleyball competitions and is often categorized among the lower-tier teams. In their previous appearance at the AVC Challenge Cup 2024, they finished 8th out of 10 teams.

Despite those challenges, the victory over India propelled Hong Kong to third place in Group A. While advancing to the semi-finals remains an uphill battle, this comeback win has infused the team—especially captain YC Yu and her teammates—with a newfound confidence as they continue their journey in the AVC Nations Cup 2025.

CAVA Men’s Nations League 2025t shifted from Pakistan to Uzbekistan,India confirms CAVA men’s Nations League participation

The Central Asian Volleyball tournament from which India has withdrawn in the aftermath of the terror attack in Pahalgam has been shifted from Islamabad to Tashkent in Uzbekistan, an official of the Pakistan federation said on Saturday. A senior official of Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) said the Central Asia Volleyball Association (CAVA) has taken the decision to shift the event to Uzbekistan.

After initially pulling out of the tournament, India is set to compete at the upcoming CAVA (Central Asia Volleyball Association) Men’s Nations League after the host country was changed from Pakistan to Uzbekistan.

On Friday, the ad-hoc committee running the sport in India announced that selection trials will be held on May 6-7 at SAI NSSC Bengaluru followed by a training camp before the team’s departure to Uzbekistan.

“CAVA had the Annual General Meeting on April 25 in Nepal where other nations also expressed their discomfort regarding their participation in the tournament in Pakistan. So, it was decided that the tournament will be shifted to Uzbekistan but the dates will remain the same,” a source close to the ad-hoc committee confirmed

The scheduled dates of the tournament, to be contested among Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, have not been changed.On April 27, PVF official Abdul Ahad said India has withdrawn from the tournament which was earlier to be held in Islamabad from May 28.

Islamabad was supposed to host the tournament, and a 30-member Indian squad, including 22 players, was set to participate.

However, following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed, and the growing diplomatic tension between the two countries, the Indian government cancelled the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued to the contingent.

“The Indian Volleyball officials have informed the regional body that their government has cancelled the NOC issued to them for the tournament after the incident in Pahalgam,” Pakistan Volleyball Federation official Abdul Ahad had told PTI.

India, Iran, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Pakistan are scheduled to compete in the event from May 29 to June 4.

MATCH SCHEDULE RELEASED FOR FIVB VOLLEYBALL WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2025 IN THAILAND

The official match schedule for the highly anticipated FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025 has been released, setting the stage for an electrifying competition in Thailand from August 22 to September 7. With 32 teams vying for the prestigious world champion title, the tournament will feature 64 thrilling matches over 14 competition days, hosted across four iconic cities: Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima.

The tournament will commence on August 22 with an exciting pair of opening matches at 16:00 local time (09:00 UTC). Czechia meets Argentina in Pool D while Puerto Rico faces France in Pool C. An hour later, action in Pools A and B will begin with the Netherlands meeting Sweden and Belgium competing against Cuba.

Reigning Volleyball Nations League 2024 champions and Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalists Italy will open their Pool B campaign against Slovakia in Phuket at 20:30 (13:30 UTC)

Host nation Thailand will wrap up a historic opening day, meeting Pool A opponent Egypt in front of a passionate home crowd also at 20:30 local time, but in Bangkok. Thailand, known for their fast-paced and energetic style of play, will be looking to capitalize on home-court advantage and deliver strong performances in front of their fans.
Defending world champions Serbia, aiming for a third consecutive title, will instead begin their campaign in Pool H against Ukraine on August 23 at 20:30 (13:30 UTC).
Competition in the first phase will see each pool play on alternate days, with Pools A, B, C, and D competing on August 22, 24, and 26, while Pools E, F, G, and H take the court on August 23, 25, and 27.





Following the conclusion of the pool stage, the top two teams from each of the eight pools will advance to the knockout phase, starting with the Round of 16 from August 29 to September 1. The Quarter-Finals will be held on September 3 and 4, followed by the Semi-Finals on September 6. The tournament will culminate on September 7 with the bronze medal match at 15:30 (08:30 UTC), leading into the final gold medal match at 19:30 (12:30 UTC) in Bangkok, where the next world champions will be crowned.

As the host nation, Thailand is set to provide a vibrant and unforgettable experience for players and fans alike. With top-tier volleyball action and an electric atmosphere, the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025 – the first-ever to be held in Southeast Asia – promises to be a landmark edition of the sport’s premier event. 

2024 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship: Draws Unveiled for 2024 Asian Club Volleyball Championship in Yazd

 The draws for the 2024 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship have been announced, with the tournament set to take place in Yazd, Iran from September 8 to 15. This annual event, formerly known as the AVC Cup Men’s Club Tournament, began in 1999 and is organized by the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC). The championship, which was not held in 2003 or 2020 due to global health crises, will feature the following pools:

• Pool A: Shahdab Yazd (IRI A), Kuwait Sporting Club (KUW)
• Pool B: Wolfdogs Nagoya (JPN), Gas Al Janoob (IRQ), Baoding Wo Li Volleyball Club (CHN)
• Pool C: Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi (INA), Pavlodar Volleyball Club (KAZ), Taichung Win (TPE)
• Pool D: Al Rayyan Sports Club (QAT), Kam Air (AFG), Foolad Sirjan Iranian (IRI B)