Men's volleyball in Ho Chi Minh City and the journey back to the top

03/11/2025 06:45:00 pandatv

After many years away from Vietnam’s top volleyball competition, the Ho Chi Minh City men’s volleyball team has officially made its comeback to the 2026 National Championship following a determined effort at the 2025 National A-Class Volleyball Finals held in Ha Tinh.

The men's final on the evening of November 1 concluded with a 3-1 victory for Ho Chi Minh City over the host team Ha Tinh. This outcome sparked an emotional eruption in the stands of Ha Tinh Sports Hall, not only because the local team fought valiantly but also due to the admirable toughness of the visitors.

Despite falling behind 18-25 in the first set, the Ho Chi Minh City players kept their spirits high. They gradually adapted their strategy, intensifying pressure on serving and blocking, which helped them win the next three sets consecutively (25-15, 25-20, 25-21). The 3-1 win not only earned Ho Chi Minh City the championship but also closed a heartfelt promotion journey.

"We don't have any big stars, but we make up for it with unity and the ambition to return to the top. After many years of rebuilding the squad, this is a well-earned reward for the entire team," shared the team after the match.

The team's head coach, Mr. Huynh Van Tuan, also expressed satisfaction with his players' performance. He said, "I hope the team can secure sponsors to provide the players with additional income, which will motivate them to work even harder."

Once a dominant force in Vietnamese volleyball, the Ho Chi Minh City men’s team had to leave the professional scene in recent years due to personnel and financial challenges. Competing in the A-class league was not only a test but also a genuine chance to "start anew."

The Ho Chi Minh City men’s volleyball team will participate in next season’s National Championship. Photo: Vietcontent

Entering the 2025 A-Class finals, Ho Chi Minh City was grouped with strong rivals such as Ha Tinh, Vinh Long, and VLXD Binh Duong... They began impressively by winning all group matches, then defeated Da Nang 3-0 in the quarterfinals and overcame Vinh Long 3-1 in the semifinals to reach the final.

Each win marked progress in their confidence, from coordination and defense to the finishing skills of their main attackers. Notably, their cohesive play and balanced team structure were key factors in Ho Chi Minh City’s rise back to the top.

The success in Ha Tinh was not only a promotion ticket but also a significant morale boost for Ho Chi Minh City sports overall and volleyball in particular. After years of quiet, the men’s team’s return to the 2026 National Championship brings hope for the revival of a once-famous brand.

From youth teams to district-level activities, volleyball in Ho Chi Minh City is showing signs of renewed energy. The men’s team’s promotion will act as a "foundation" to rekindle passion, encourage training efforts, and attract attention from businesses and fans alike.

The 2026 National Championship will bring even greater challenges, but the recent journey shows that Ho Chi Minh City is ready. They have youth, ambition, and above all, an unyielding fighting spirit.

The victory in Ha Tinh is not only a sporting achievement but also proof of the spirit of "rising from failure," which is at the heart of elite sports.

After the final whistle, Ho Chi Minh City’s players embraced on the court, tears falling not just from joy but also from the long journey behind them. Their comeback may be late but remains full of pride.

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