Việt Nam team win the AVC Women's Volleyball Nations Cup 2025. VNA/VNS Photo

 HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam made history over the weekend, clinching the inaugural Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup 2025 title in front of an ecstatic home crowd in Hà Nội.

Playing at the Đông Anh Gymnasium, the host team swept the Philippines 3-0 in a thrilling final, cheered on by nearly 3,000 passionate fans. The victory not only secured the prestigious title but also marked a remarkable hat-trick for Việt Nam, who had won the previous two editions of the tournament when it was known as the AVC Women’s Challenge Cup.

Under the leadership of coach Nguyễn Tuấn Kiệt, the Vietnamese squad delivered an exceptional performance throughout the eight-day tournament, remaining unbeaten and conceding just one set — to Kazakhstan in the semi-finals.

This triumph also earned Việt Nam a coveted place at the 2026 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship, which serves as a key qualification route for both the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship.

Spearheading the final charge was 25-year-old opposite Nguyễn Thị Bích Tuyền. Standing at 188cm, she led the scoring with 20 points, including 16 attacks, two blocks and two aces — a performance that sealed her status as the star of the match.

Vietnamese opposite Nguyễn Thị Bích Tuyền (No 10) hits a ball to score point for Việt Nam during the final.

Tuyền, who had earlier delivered a standout 28-point performance in the semi-final against Kazakhstan, once again proved pivotal to Việt Nam’s triumph.

Team captain and outside hitter Trần Thị Thanh Thúy, 28, contributed 17 points, while Nguyễn Thị Uyên, 26, added 10.

Việt Nam’s solid defensive line overwhelmed the Philippine attack, limiting their opponents to single-digit scores. Opposite Alyssa Jae Solomon led the silver medallists with eight points, all from attacks, while outside hitter Shaina Marie Nitura chipped in with six.

With the victory, Việt Nam rose from 31st to 25th in the FIVB World Rankings, reaching a historic high of 141.21 points.

In the bronze medal match, Chinese Taipei mounted an impressive comeback to beat Kazakhstan 3-1 (17-25, 25-13, 25-16, 25-13) and claim third place.

Beyond the team title, Việt Nam also claimed three individual honours: Tuyền was named both Most Valuable Player and Best Opposite; Thúy was awarded Best Outside Hitter; and Nguyễn Khánh Đang was recognised as Best Libero. The trio were all included in the tournament’s Dream Team.

Following the Nations Cup, Việt Nam are set to compete in the international VTV Cup later this month, the SEA V.League in July, the FIVB World Championship in August, and the 33rd SEA Games in December. VNS