While Vietnam’s women’s volleyball team has claimed the AVC Nations Cup title for three consecutive years, the men’s national team is unlikely to deliver a surprise performance at the 2025 Asian Championship, taking place from June 17 to 24 in Bahrain.

Just days after the women’s team successfully defended their title at the AVC Nations Cup 2025, the men’s national team is set to kick off their campaign at the Asian Championship with an opening match against New Zealand at 8:30 PM on June 18.

Compared to their female counterparts, the Vietnamese men’s team faces a much tougher challenge in their continental pursuit. The women’s historic hat trick of AVC Nations Cup victories has also heightened expectations and pressure on the men’s squad.

This is the third time Vietnam’s men’s team has competed in the AVC Nations Cup (formerly known as the AVC Challenge Cup). In the 2023 edition, Vietnam placed fourth, and in 2024, they finished sixth.

The 2025 tournament features 11 teams, after Kazakhstan withdrew at the last minute. Teams are divided into four groups and will play in a round-robin format, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarterfinals. Vietnam is in Group D with South Korea and New Zealand. Group A includes Bahrain, Indonesia, and Thailand. Group B features Qatar and Australia. Group C comprises Pakistan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

Experts have rated Vietnam’s group as relatively more manageable than the others. However, the team must perform at their best to avoid early elimination. In this group, South Korea (ranked 27th globally) is a strong contender for the top spot, leaving Vietnam and New Zealand to battle for the remaining quarterfinal berth.

Thus, the outcome of the opening match against New Zealand will likely determine whether Vietnam can progress. If they advance to the quarterfinals, captain Quang Trong Nghia and his teammates will face formidable opponents among Asia’s volleyball powerhouses.

For this year’s AVC Nations Cup, coach Tran Dinh Tien has brought 14 players to Bahrain. With opposite hitter Pham Van Hiep sidelined due to injury, the captaincy has been given to outside hitter Quang Trong Nghia.

Vietnam’s men’s volleyball team roster: Dinh Van Duy, Nguyen Ngoc Thuan, Tran Duy Tuyen, Truong The Khai, Phan Cong Duc, Cao Duc Hoang, Nguyen Thanh Hai, Trinh Duy Phuc, Hoang Xuan Truong, Che Quoc Lo Vit, Nguyen Van Quoc Duy, Duong Van Tien, Quang Trong Nghia, Pham Quoc Du.

Dai Nam