Vietnam questions FIVB's decision on gender eligibility of rising star Dang Thi Hong

Dang Thi Hong (L) at the 2025 Volleyball Women’s U21 World Championship in Indonesia in August 2025. Photo by FIVB

On Aug. 12 at the Volleyball Women's U21 World Championship in Indonesia, Vietnam was handed four 0–3 losses after FIVB deemed one player ineligible. The disciplinary notice initially did not name the athlete or state a reason. It was later confirmed that the athlete was outside hitter Dang Thi Hong and the violation was related to gender eligibility.

Speaking to VnExpress on Tuesday, VFV general secretary Le Tri Truong outlined the process of FIVB in handling this case. Following complaints from other teams, organizers asked Vietnam to submit original records for three athletes, including birth certificates. The documents matched the registration data, but two certificates were issued one to two years after birth. VFV explained that late birth registration is relatively common in rural areas.

Organizers then proposed an SRY genetic test, which detects the Y chromosome, to determine biological sex.

To protect personal privacy, Truong said FIVB did not share the results with VFV; instead, officials informed the athlete directly in Indonesia, with a team doctor present.

"In the notice sent to Vietnam, FIVB didn’t confirm that Dang Thi Hong was male, only that she was ineligible to compete and inconsistent with the birth certificate," Truong said.

Truong argued that FIVB’s careful wording reflects the sensitivity of gender issue in sport.

"They can’t make an absolute affirmation in the case of Dang Thi Hong, just like many other cases in the world, since modern science can’t prove an athlete is 100% male by any method, whether it’s chromosome or testosterone testing," he added.

In world medicine, there’s a term called intersex, where chromosomes, genitalia, reproductive anatomy or hormones may not align with typical male/female definitions and medical conditions (e.g., congenital adrenal hyperplasia and Swyer syndrome) that can influence sex characteristics of women and make them look more masculine over time.

Calling for empathy toward Hong, Truong stressed that neither her nor VFV attempted to cheat or hide the issue.

"Gender testing requires the individual’s consent. If an athlete refuses, they cannot compete, but their information remains confidential," he said, adding that all three Vietnamese athletes consented when asked.

VFV general secretary Le Tri Truong. Photo by VFV

VFV’s main objection is with FIVB’s process, specifically the gender testing method and standards.

The U21 World Championship regulations recognize player status via birth certificates and allow FIVB to request medical evidence if there is a complaint. However, according to VFV, the rules do not specify which tests are permitted or how results should be measured.

Truong said VFV has sent three complaints but has received no formal response. Instead, FIVB assigned a legal committee member to communicate with VFV by email. When VFV asked for the testing regulations and guidance, FIVB replied that it had just begun to research.

Truong said organizers described SRY testing as "the most accurate" and claimed other events use it "when necessary," but could not provide the legal basis or specific documentation when requested to.

He cited the SEA Games 33 manual in Thailand, which sets out testing for sex disorders in women's events, and World Athletics' requirement (effective Sept. 1, 2025) for SRY testing via mucosal or dried-blood samples. Under those standards, athletes with a Y chromosome are barred from the women's category or relegated to unranked events; athletes with certain disorders of sex development (DSD) must reduce testosterone below the allowed standard.

"Those standards are agreed upon from the get-go, even if they are still debated scientifically. If an athlete does not meet them, they cannot compete," Truong said. "Our dispute is about clarity. FIVB must define which test, where it is done and what thresholds apply. It cannot be SRY this year and something else next year."

FIVB has shifted its approach many times in the past. Before 2000, genetic testing was mandatory for women’s eligibility; it was scrapped in 2007 amid doubts about accuracy, leaving birth certificates as the primary criterion.

Debate later intensified around Indonesia’s former player Aprilia Santini Manganang, who competed with valid documents despite repeated complaints; only after retirement in 2020 was Manganang determined to be biologically male due to hypospadias diagnosed at birth. In 2022, FIVB amended its rules to allow gender verification following a complaint supported by medical evidence, and this was used at the recent U21 tournament.

Vietnam's key player Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen during the SEA V-League in Ninh Binh on Aug. 10, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Hieu Luong

In response to the recent incident, Vietnamese volleyball had to adjust to prevent a similar case from happening. On Sept. 11, the VFV executive committee voted to introduce gender testing for domestic competitions beginning in 2026.

The federation will not implement the measures in the second phase of the 2025 season, both to allow more than three months of preparation time and to await detailed guidance from FIVB.

"If instructions come from FIVB, we will follow closely. If not, we will proceed and inform clubs," Truong said, adding that testing may be random or triggered by complaints during the tournament, and athletes and clubs are encouraged to verify eligibility in advance.

Given that the SEA Games 33 in December will have specific regulations, gender testing of Vietnam women's national volleyball team could occur earlier.

FIVB's ban on Hong is considered indefinite until further notice. Truong said that the athlete is the one who suffers the most in this incident, but the federation and many other units are ready to support her.

The VFV has banned Hong from all official competitions starting September, following FIVB suspension.

Hong, 19, is of Dao ethnicity from a remote village in Bac Kan in northern Vietnam. Despite her modest height, she earned recognition for her explosive jumping, powerful spikes and agility. She debuted on loan for Kinh Bac Bac Ninh in 2022, later joined Ninh Binh, and was called up to the U20 national team. She helped Vietnam secure a historic fifth-place finish at the 2024 Asian U20 Championship, qualifying for the U21 World Championship for the first time.

Before her suspension on Aug. 12, her birthday, Hong had impressed in Indonesia, scoring 83 points in four group-stage matches, the highest tally at the time.

"Fortunately, the club is also standing by the athlete," Truong said. "If she can't compete, she can still do coaching work. The federation is also ready to support Hong in studying to be a referee, if she is still passionate about the sport. In addition, some units also offered financial support for Hong to switch majors."