Just a week following the conclusion of the Southeast Asian Men’s Volleyball League (SEA V. League) in the Philippines where Indonesia celebrated a consecutive victory, all eyes are now set on the coveted gold medal chase in the women’s division.
The third installment of the SEA V. League, previously known as the Asean Grand Prix, sees Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines vying for the top spot. With Thailand, currently ranked 15th in the world and holder of 14 consecutive Southeast Asian Games gold medals, seeking to retain their title from the last two editions.
This women’s face-off is divided into two stages. The inaugural leg transpired from August 4 to 6 at the Vinh Phuc Gymnasium in Vietnam. Meanwhile, the subsequent leg is slated from August 11 to 13 at the 700th Anniversary Chiang Mai Sports Complex, Thailand.
The tournament started with a bang as Thailand clinched a challenging straight-set victory over Indonesia. Concurrently, the host nation, Vietnam, uplifted the spirits of a packed Vinh Phuc Gymnasium by securing a thrilling 3-1 triumph over the Philippines on the competition’s opening day.
Thailand, also recognized as the consecutive two-time Asian silver medalists, had to harness their utmost prowess to best Indonesia, who displayed rigorous competitiveness, with a tight three-setter score of 26-24, 26-24, 25-20. In a parallel feat, Vietnam marked their debut with a gripping 3-1 (25-15, 19-25, 25-21, 25-9) victory against the Philippines.