Vietnam win historic World Cup sepak takraw title

Vietnam made history by clinching its first-ever World Cup sepak takraw title in the women's quadrant category after a thrilling victory over Thailand, the dominant force in the sport.

The highly anticipated final saw two of the world’s strongest teams face off in an intense showdown. Thailand, the birthplace of sepak takraw, has long reigned as the sport’s powerhouse, while Vietnam entered the tournament with momentum, having won the 2023 world championship.

With a formidable lineup featuring Tran Thi Ngoc Yen, Nguyen Thi My, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Huyen, and Nguyen Thi Yen, the Vietnamese squad set the tone early, storming to a 5-0 lead and extending it to 8-1 in the first set. Although Thailand mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 12-14, Vietnam held firm to claim the opening set 15-12.

Thailand responded strongly in the second set, adjusting their strategy to seize an early 5-1 lead. The defending champions struggled to regain control, and Thailand ultimately secured the set 15-12, setting the stage for a decisive third set.

The final set was a thrilling back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to gain a decisive edge. As the tension in the arena grew, Vietnam edged ahead at 14-13 and sealed the championship point with a dramatic finish, clinching a historic 15-13 victory. The momentous win ended Thailand’s long-standing dominance and marked a new era for Vietnam in sepak takraw.

Road to the Championship
Vietnam’s journey to the title was marked by stellar performances throughout the tournament. The team defeated:
✅ Republic of Korea (2-0)
✅ Myanmar (2-1)
✅ France (2-0)

Meanwhile, in the men’s division, Vietnam delivered an impressive campaign but fell short in the final against Thailand, suffering a 1-15, 9-15 defeat. The team, however, secured a silver medal, a commendable achievement on the world stage.

ISTAF Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025
The ISTAF Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025 is being held from March 20-25 at the Patliputra Indoor Stadium in Bihar, India, featuring over 300 athletes and trainers from 20 countries.

Athletes will compete in various categories, including:
🏆 Men’s & women’s regu (teams of three)
🏆 Doubles
🏆 Mixed team events

The Sport of Sepak Takraw
Often called "kick volleyball," sepak takraw is a high-energy sport where players use their feet, knees, chest, and head to hit a woven rattan or plastic ball over a net. With its spectacular aerial kicks and acrobatic moves, the sport demands exceptional skill, agility, and coordination.

Vietnam’s groundbreaking victory in the women’s quadrant event not only solidifies its place among the world’s elite teams but also signals a bright future for the nation in sepak takraw.