The truth about many Vietnamese female volleyball players not receiving proper allowances

The differing nutritional allowances for Vietnamese female volleyball players during their training for the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand have sparked public concern.

According to the decision of the Vietnam Department of Sports and Physical Training, the Vietnamese women's volleyball team was formed with 20 athletes including: Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh, Doan Thi Lam Oanh, Pham Quynh Huong, Nguyen Khanh Dang, Vo Thi Kim Thoa, Le Thanh Thuy, Nguyen Thi Trinh, Nguyen Phuong Quynh, Ha Kieu Vy, Vi Thi Nhu Quynh, Doan Thi Xuan, Nguyen Thi Uyen, Dang Thi Kim Thanh, Le Nhu Anh, Le Thi Yen, Hoang Hong Hanh, Luu Thi Hue, Vi Thi Yen Nhi, Bui Thi Anh Thao, and Le Thuy Linh.

This list does not include Bich Tuyen, while Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Bich Thuy are playing abroad and will join the team later.

The controversy arose because only 16 members (including 4 coaches and 12 athletes) receive a nutritional allowance of 480,000 VND per person per day, as regulated for the official SEA Games delegation.

Meanwhile, the remaining 8 athletes only receive 320,000 VND per person per day, equivalent to the allowance for regular training athletes.

This disparity has caused concern that it may affect the team's morale and spirit. Some experts argue that having different allowances within the same team preparing for the SEA Games is unreasonable, especially given the demanding training volume and high nutritional needs during this period.

Explaining this, a leader from the Department of Sports and Physical Training said the 480,000 VND daily allowance applies only to the 14 official athletes competing at the 33rd SEA Games. The remaining athletes, although called up to the team, are considered reserves and thus do not qualify for the highest allowance.

Le Tri Truong, Secretary General of the Vietnam Volleyball Federation (VFV), stated that this regulation is related to the rules and finances of the Department of Sports and Physical Training. The Ministry of Finance sets the highest nutritional allowance for 14 official male and female volleyball athletes. If the coaching staff wants to include more players, they must submit a proposal.

Mr. Truong emphasized that due to the nature of volleyball, the number of athletes called up usually exceeds the competition roster to develop players or prevent injuries.

"In principle, the VFV always wishes for athletes to receive the highest allowances, but it must follow the regulations and rules. Currently, VFV is working with the Department of Sports and Physical Training on this matter.", added the Secretary General of the Vietnam Volleyball Federation.

According to the plan, the Vietnamese women's volleyball team is currently training in Quang Ninh and will narrow the roster down to 14 athletes before heading to Thailand in early December. Despite some differing opinions, the entire team is striving to win the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games.