Vietnam emerged as a dominant force in the sport at the 4-yearly tournament, impressing fans with three victories in the group stage.
They advanced to the semifinals where they defeated China 2-0 to secure a spot in the finals against Indonesia, whom they had previously beaten 2-1 in the group stage.
However, despite their previous success, the Vietnamese team had a shaky start in the opening game of the finals, losing 18-21 to their Indonesian rivals.
The Vietnamese women’s sepak takraw team defending in the women’s quadrant final game against Indonesia at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, October 4, 2023. Photo: Duc Khue / Tuoi Tre |
They were able to regain their composure in the second game, starting strong with a 7-2 lead.
However, Indonesia fought back and brought the score to 15-15.
Luckily, Vietnam managed to secure a 21-18 victory.
In the third game, Indonesia kept up with Vietnam, with both teams trading points until they reached a 7-7 tie.
But eventually, fatigue got the better of the Indonesian team, allowing Vietnam to build a lead, first at 12-9, then 18-12, and finally 21-14.
Vietnam’s Tran Thi Ngoc Yen attacking against Indonesia in the sepak takraw women’s quadrant final game at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, October 4, 2023. Photo: Duc Khue / Tuoi Tre |
This win earned Vietnam their second gold medal at the 19th Asian Games.
Vietnam sent a delegation of 504 members, including 320 athletes, to the 19th Asian Games, which features 40 sports and 481 events.
Their goal was to bring home at least two gold medals.
As of 11:30 am on Wednesday, the country was ranked 17th with two gold medals, three silvers, and 14 bronzes.
Host China leads the medal table with an impressive total of 164 gold medals, 90 silvers, and 46 bronzes, followed by South Korea with 33 gold medals, 48 silvers, and 50 bronzes, and Japan with 32 gold medals, 43 silvers, and 65 bronzes.