In her message of congratulations, Minister Lam Thi Phuong Thanh expressed her delight at the courageous performance by the Vietnamese women players in the final against Thailand, a team regarded as one of the strongest opponents in women’s sepak takraw in the world.
The Minister acknowledged the athletes’ competitive spirit, efforts and determination in a match that featured a tense and closely contested battle for points. In particular, when under pressure from their opponents, the Vietnamese players maintained their concentration, coordinated closely, calmly handled each situation and did not give up when they found themselves at a disadvantage.
The gold medal at ASIAD 20 is a noteworthy achievement for the women’s sepak takraw team, reflecting the serious preparation and efforts of the athletes and coaching staff. The result also demonstrates the team’s competitive mettle against a high-level opponent.
To promptly recognise the team’s achievement, Minister Lam Thi Phuong Thanh instructed the Viet Nam Sports Delegation to provide an immediate bonus to the athletes and coaching staff. This is an encouragement for the efforts made by the entire team after an emotional final.
Leaders of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also sent encouragement to the members of the women’s sepak takraw team and the entire Viet Nam Sports Delegation, expressing their hope that the athletes would maintain their spirit, remain focused on competition and give their utmost effort during the remaining period of ASIAD 20, contributing to the overall achievements of the Viet Nam Sports Delegation and competing for the national flag and colours of the fatherland.
Earlier, the Viet Nam women’s sepak takraw team entered the women’s quadrant final against Thailand with a high level of confidence. In the first set, the Vietnamese players took the initiative, maintained stability at crucial points and won 15-11.
In the second set, Thailand increased the pace and established a sizeable points lead. The Vietnamese team remained persistent in their pursuit and brought the match back to level terms at 13-13, before taking a 14-13 lead. However, at the decisive moment, Thailand scored two consecutive points to win 17-15, sending the final into a third set.
The decisive set continued to present difficulties for the Vietnamese team as Thailand took a 5-2 lead. The Vietnamese players quickly regained control, gradually narrowing the gap, levelling the score at 5-5 and then moving ahead 8-6. Viet Nam maintained its advantage at 10-8, 12-9 and 14-10. On the final point, the Vietnamese team made good use of the opportunity to win 15-11, thereby concluding the final after three sets.
Overall, the Viet Nam women’s sepak takraw team defeated Thailand 2-1, with scores of 15-11, 15-17 and 15-11, to win the Gold Medal in the women’s quadrant event. This is the second Gold Medal for Vietnamese women’s sepak takraw at ASIAD 20, following the women’s doubles title, thereby bringing the third Gold Medal to the Viet Nam Sports Delegation at the Games.
The victory over Thailand was all the more significant as the Vietnamese team repeatedly faced pressure on the scoreboard. The players’ ability to maintain their concentration, competitive mettle and fighting spirit through to the final points enabled Viet Nam to mount a comeback in the deciding set, bringing an emotional final to a close.
