Phase 2 of the 2025 National Volleyball Championship will kick off on October 7. However, fans could not help but regret that some stars of Vietnamese women's volleyball could not participate.
One of the most notable names is Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, captain and also the number one star of VTV Binh Dien Long An. After completing her mission with the Vietnam team at the world tournament, Thanh Thuy went to Japan to join the Gunma Green Wings club.
This is not her first time going abroad. With extensive international experience, Thanh Thuy is expected to help the Japanese team improve their performance, especially in the attack and blocking stages.
Currently, VTV Binh Dien Long An is temporarily ranked 2nd on the rankings with 12 points, 2 points behind the leader LPB Ninh Binh. The absence of a key scorer like Thanh Thuy is a concern, forcing the Southern team to quickly adjust their tactics and rearrange their squad if they do not want to fall behind in the championship race.
Meanwhile, LPB Ninh Binh - the team leading the rankings - is also in a not-so-favorable situation, when opposite Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen is absent in the second stage due to injury.
This is information that makes many fans regret, because Bich Tuyen is one of the most anticipated hitters of Vietnamese women's volleyball at present. With strong playing style, sharp and effective attack ability, she is always a key factor in the Ninh Binh squad.
The absence of Bich Tuyen forces the coaching staff to quickly find suitable alternatives, although everyone understands that it will not be easy to fill the void left by her in the squad.
Not only Long An and Ninh Binh, Vietinbank club also suffered significant losses in force without the service of Dang Thi Hong. Previously, the U21 Vietnam player was banned from competing in the U21 World Cup because he did not meet the conditions according to the regulations of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).
This directly affects her competition in domestic tournaments, including the second phase of this year's national championship. The absence of a potential attacking player like Hong forced coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet to change his personnel plan, and at the same time give opportunities to other young athletes to maintain stability for Vietinbank in this decisive period.
In addition, expectations about the return of veterans such as Bui Thi Nga (Information Corps) or Nguyen Linh Chi (Vietinbank) have not been able to come true. Although there have been positive signs from the training process, both have not yet reached the necessary physical condition and form to play at a high level.
Bui Thi Nga used to be a pillar in the blocking line with her height and excellent ability to hold onto the net, while Linh Chi is an experienced setter, who has played for many years as a playing coordinator for the national team.
The absence of many key players has caused the second phase of the 2025 National Volleyball Championship to lack some color, but also opened up opportunities for other athletes to demonstrate their abilities and take up an official position.
Teams are forced to adapt to the situation, maximize the collective strength and fighting ability of each individual to maintain the championship race.
