VTV Binh Dien Long An Club won the 2024 National Volleyball Championship after a 3-1 victory over Duc Giang Chemicals (on the evening of November 17). This is the 5th championship in the team's history, previously in 2009, 2011, 2017 and 2018.
It took coach Thai Quang Lai and his students at VTV Binh Dien Long An 6 years of waiting to regain the No. 1 title of Vietnamese women's volleyball. Tra My and her teammates' journey in this year's tournament showed that they were completely deserving of the title.
In phase 1, VTV Binh Dien Long An only lost 1 match against Long Son Thanh Hoa Cement, the rest won against Vietinbank (3-1), Thai Binh (3-0), Quang Ninh (3-2), Duc Giang Chemicals (3-1) to rank 2nd with 11 points.
After that, they won all the matches in the second stage as well as the final round. Coach Thai Quang Lai and his team won against the Information Corps (3-1), LPB Ninh Binh (3-0), Hanoi (3-0), LPB Ninh Binh (3-2, semi-final) and Duc Giang Chemicals (3-1, final).
The transformation of the Western team is largely due to the return of middle blocker Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hoa. The veteran hitter, currently working in the youth coaching staff of the team, has been tasked with strengthening the middle blocker position since phase 2. At the age of 37, Ngoc Hoa still demonstrates her abilities, especially her experience and courage, guiding her juniors to defeat formidable opponents.
Ngoc Hoa is an important link, helping VTV Binh Dien Long An's play through situations where the ball is coordinated with setter Kim Thoa smoothly. The presence of this veteran hitter on the field as well as in the center of the front row helps the defense at the net and the quick finishing of the Western team become more effective. The remaining arrangements and scoring are done by young hitters such as Tra My, Nhu Anh, Khanh Vy or Lan Vy along with foreign player Joyce Agbolosso.
Talking to Lao Dong after the final match, Ngoc Hoa said: "It's been a long time since we've had this achievement. For me, returning to competition has many difficulties, but I play football because of my passion, so that can be overcome. Besides, I also have many teammates supporting me, so I don't feel any pressure professionally.
The members all played with focus, aiming for the championship and we did it. I have been in coaching for 5-6 years. The return to competition was sudden. My future direction is still to focus mainly on coaching."
Meanwhile, coach Thai Quang Lai affirmed that VTV Binh Dien Long An achieved the results thanks to the solidarity of the team. Before participating in the second phase, the coaching staff only aimed at the goal of striving to gain points in each match. When entering the competition, it was the players' high morale that helped them win the highest position.
After winning the championship, VTV Binh Dien Long An team received many bonuses from sponsors. This title became even more meaningful to them as this was the 20th anniversary of the team's founding.
It can be affirmed that 2024 is a successful year for the Western football team when they won two important tournaments, the Hung Vuong Cup and the national championship. Above all, VTV Binh Dien Long An has introduced a team of potential young athletes. This could be the key for this team to continue to reap more success in the future.
