Hồ Chí Minh City’s women’s volleyball team is building a cohesive squad and integrating athletes from other sections to prepare for the 10th National Games on home soil in 2026.
The coaching staff is currently prioritizing physical conditioning and individual skill sets, attempting to mold a disparate group of athletes into a cohesive unit. This transition has been a primary focus of the team’s recent training sessions.
“The connection between the old and new athletes is a crucial factor for the team to develop professional skills and aim for the best results,” said head coach Tran Hien.
To prepare for the domestic challenge, the team sought high-level competition outside of Vietnam. In 2026, the team has the opportunity to participate in tournaments in Chinese Taipei and the Philippines, where facing opponents of different levels and playing styles allows athletes to gain practical experience. These matches served as a baseline for the coaching staff to evaluate player performance under pressure.
“International competitions are rich with lessons in physical condition, technique, and psychology,” Hien said.
“Facing opponents of high level allows athletes to gain confidence and develop their competitive spirit,” Hien said.
Star player and team captain Phan Khánh Vi admitted that the initial integration phase was difficult. However, she said that after months of living and training together, the squad has developed a more effective rhythm on the court.
The stakes are high for the 10th National Sports Games, which begin November 27 in Hồ Chí Minh City. For the players, the home-turf advantage is a double-edged sword: a source of pride, but also a heavy burden of expectation.
“The support of the local public is a great source of motivation, but the entire team is also conscious of its responsibility to meet the expectations of fans by offering the best performances possible,” said Phan Khánh Vi.
Beyond the immediate goal of the National Sports Games, the club is using the tournament as a benchmark to measure progress as they strive to return to the National Championship and re-establish their presence in the top tier of Vietnamese women’s volleyball.
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