Thai media reflects that accommodation is far from the training ground, causing athletes to spend a lot of travel time. Images of some Thai players taking photos with old, substandard balls have also appeared on social networks. From these images, public opinion raises questions about the organization and how the host country welcomes the visiting team.
The Vietnam Volleyball Federation then explained specifically. The three visiting teams were arranged in hotels meeting the standards of an international tournament, nearly 30km from the stadium. The training ground for the teams is only about 10 minutes away from the hotel. The long distance on the first day of the Thai National Team was mainly due to the whole team moving from the airport to their accommodation.
Regarding the old balls appearing in the photos, the Vietnamese side affirmed that they are not equipment provided by the organizers. The official balls serving the teams are all new balls, meeting competition standards.
After the incident was clarified, the Thai Volleyball Federation sent an apology letter to the Vietnam Volleyball Federation.
When the images are posted, it may make public opinion understand that the Thai team is being treated inappropriately, apologizing is also a necessary way to protect the reputation of the host country as well as the relationship between the two volleyball backgrounds.
It is worth noting that the incident was handled by both sides before the official matches took place. Instead of prolonging the argument, obscuring the professional value of SEA V.Cup, the federations exchanged and clarified the arising issues.
In the SEA V.Cup, Vietnam and Thailand are both direct competitors and two volleyball nations with an important role in the region. Fierce competition on the field is necessary to improve professional quality. But outside the stadium, the two sides need to maintain respect, cooperation and civilized behavior.
The audience is waiting for beautiful plays, fierce competitions, not prolonged debates outside of expertise.
The apology of the Thai Volleyball Federation helped close the misunderstanding, reduce pressure on the organizers and bring attention back to the tournament.
Knowing how to listen, knowing how to correct and knowing how to say sorry at the right time is a manifestation of sports culture. When the parties act together in a spirit of transparency, responsibility and respect, SEA V.Cup is not only a place to compete to find the strongest team. The tournament also becomes a space to connect, strengthen friendship and spread the beautiful values of regional sports.
