Today (6.28), the VTV Cup 2025 international women's volleyball tournament will officially kick off at Vinh Phuc Stadium. Trinh Huynh Bao Ngoc of the U21 Vietnam team is one of the youngest players participating in the tournament as this year the middle blocker currently playing for VTV Binh Dien Long An is only 16 years old.
Talking to Lao Dong, Bao Ngoc said: "I am very happy and looking forward to the day VTV Cup 2025 starts. The U21 Vietnam players are barely under much pressure, comfortable because the team does not focus on achievements in this year's tournament. Competing with strong teams, including national teams, will help me and my teammates learn more experience and competitive spirit".
According to Bao Ngoc, in the recent training sessions, head coach Nguyen Trong Linh has trained the U21 Vietnam team in physical strength and tactical skills, especially focusing on defense and first-step learning.
For Bao Ngoc, the female player is one of 4 middle blockers registered to participate in the VTV Cup 2025 with the U21 Vietnam team. The hitter of VTV Binh Dien Long An team is highly appreciated among the 4 players. Because, although only 16 years old, Bao Ngoc is 1m80 tall.
Not only outstanding with her attacking ability, Bao Ngoc also showed maturity in defense and teamwork. In the VTV Binh Dien Long An Youth team, the 16-year-old middle blocker had decisive blocks and effectively supported her teammates.
In addition, a strong mentality is also one of the factors that helps Bao Ngoc play stably, being a pillar of VTV Binh Dien Long An Youth in tournaments earlier this year.
Bao Ngoc said that because she grew up in a family with a tradition of sports, her parents were volleyball players, so she quickly got acquainted with the ball and became bold when competing.
"My parents also always call to remind me, instruct me to practice seriously, try my best to practice to be able to look forward to the opportunity to play at VTV Cup 2025. In the middle blocker position, I am confident with the ability to run with one leg behind the head. I am still quite afraid of taking the first step, but in the past, the coaching staff has allowed us to practice and improve this.
As one of the youngest players participating in the VTV Cup 2025, I hope to play well, improve with each match, and try to prove my ability if given the opportunity. I am happy to meet any opponent because young players like us will have the opportunity to compete and learn more from their seniors," Bao Ngoc shared.
Today (6.28), Bao Ngoc and the Vietnam U21 team will have their opening match against Taiwan (China) at 1:30 p.m. This is an opponent that just competed in the AVC Nations Cup 2025.
The Taiwanese (Chinese) squad has talented setter Liao Yi Jen, who is agile and varies the passing style well. Therefore, Bao Ngoc and his teammates need to focus and seize the opportunity to play well against this opponent.
