Vietnamese Sepak Takraw players bring home gold at ASIAD 2023 after beating Indonesia 2-1 in the final (Photo: Bui Luong) |
After overcoming China 2-0 in the semifinal round, the Vietnamese team faced off against Indonesia in the final.
In the first set, the Vietnamese women put in an underwhelming performances in the first minutes and were soundly beaten 21-18 after 26 minutes of competition.
The second and third set witnessed a strong comeback from the Vietnamese side as they recorded victories of 21-18 and 21-14, respectively.
Overall, the Vietnamese squad won 2-1 over Indonesia to win the gold medal.
Vietnamese sports placed the highest trust in sepak takraw. The four-member squad won the championship at the 2022 and 2023 world Sepak Takraw championships. They have since undergone intensive training in Thailand to sharpen their skills towards the gold medal target in China.
Overall, the Vietnamese squad won 2-1 over Indonesia to win the gold medal. Coach of the sepak takraw team Tran Thi Vui said: "The medal means a lot to the Vietnamese sport delegation, and to our sepak takraw team, and me as well. Our athletes performed very well today. At the third round, the Vietnamese athletes brought their strength in blocking. It’s a skill we have practiced for a long time and was the deciding factor this time."
This is the second gold medal Vietnamese athletes have secured at ASIAD 2023. Marksman Pham Quang Huy took a gold for Vietnam in the men's 10m air pistol on September 28. As of 13PM Wednesday, Vietnam has earned 2 golds, 3 silvers, and 14 bronzes at ASIAD 2023.