Vietnam aims for inaugural SEA Games volleyball championship
Rewritten Article:
Vietnam Aims High for SEA Games Gold with New Sponsorship
Hanoi - It's game on for Vietnam's women's volleyball squad. After a string of impressive victories, they've set their sights on the ultimate prize: the gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, and a new sponsor is helping them get there.
On a historic day, the Vietnam Federation of Volleyball (VFV) inked a deal with the PetroVietnam Fertilizer and Chemicals Corporation (PVFCCo - Phu My) as the exclusive main sponsor of the national team.
This marks the first time the team has secured an official exclusive sponsor, a momentous occasion not only for the team, but a significant leap forward for the entire volleyball culture in Vietnam.
"Volleyball has a special place in Vietnam. It's not just an elite sport, but a community favorite, with love for the game visible in every corner of the country," said Doan Quoc Quan, marketing deputy director at PVFCCo.
"The passion and support for volleyball, especially for the women's team, never cease to amaze. We aim to nurture this enthusiasm and help the team reach new heights," he added.
As part of the sponsorship, PVFCCo will offer the team their "best" resources to drive success. Le Tri Truong, VFV General Secretary, appreciates the growing interest in volleyball that's reflected in the partnership.
Việt Nam eye 33rd SEA Games gold after recent successful years. VNS Photo Lê Thành
"With Phu My's backing, we gain the opportunity to compete and train in countries with established volleyball movements, improving skill quality and boosting the overall level of Vietnamese volleyball," he said.
The last three years have seen the women's team shine on the regional and international stage. They've secured silver medals at the 31st and 32nd SEA Games, clinched the Asian Women's Club Volleyball Championship 2023, qualified for the FIVB Volleyball Women's Club World Championship 2023, and even took fourth place in the Asian championship 2023 and the 19th Asian Games 2023.
They also bagged bronze in the FIVB Challenger 2023, marking Vietnam's first top-three finish at a world-level event and earning a spot in this year's world championships.
The impressive performance indicates that the VFV's investments and preparations are paying off. The team has been sent overseas for intensive training and registered for numerous domestic and international tournaments to refine their skills and gain valuable experience.
With such success under their belt, the team is now looking ahead to 2025. Ambitious goals include competing in the World Championship and U21 World Cup, along with their primary target—claiming the elusive gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand this December.
"This year is packed with important international tournaments. Our primary aim is to reach top-level volleyball and gain valuable experience," said General Secretary Truong.
"We will also participate in events like the International VTV Cup, the SEA V.League, and especially the 33rd SEA Games. Our goal is to achieve better results than our previous showings," he continued.
The pressure is high, as they face stiff competition, especially in the 33rd SEA Games, which will take place in Thailand. Nonetheless, with determination and the backing of PVFCCo, they're ready to create history.
Captain Trần Thị Thanh Thúy presents the national jersey to Đoàn Quốc Quân, PVFCo marketing deputy director during the sponsorship signing ceremony on May 6 in Hà Nội Photo courtesy of Vietcontent
Kieu, the head coach, shared his team's aspirations, "This year, we aim to reach new heights. After years of winning silver, this is the first time we are gunning for gold. We're prepared to work hard during training and at competitions to achieve our goal."
The team is currently in training in Quang Ninh Province, with upcoming events including the AVC Nations Cup on June 7-14 in Hanoi and the VTV Cup on June 28-July 5 in Vinh Phuc.
Their subsequent competitions en route to the world championships and the SEA Games include the SEA V.League Week 1 on July 25-27 in Ninh Binh and the Week 2 on August 1-3 in Thailand, followed by the world championships from August 22 to September 7 and the SEA Games from December 7-19, all held in Thailand.
Here's to a successful journey towards that coveted gold medal! Go, Vietnamese volleyball team!
Artificial intelligence could potentially analyze sports data to predict Vietnam's chances in the upcoming SEA Games, providing valuable insights for strategy and training.
Perhaps AI could also help the team analyze their opponents' tactics during the course of a match, allowing for quick and informed adjustments.
During downtime, the athletes could even engage in AI-powered games to maintain their reflexes and strategic thinking, ensuring they stay sharp throughout the Games.
