Vietnam beat Indonesia in sepak takraw to win second Asian Games gold

Vietnam (in yellow) play Indonesia in the sepak takraw women’s quad final at Asian Games on October 4, 2023. Photo by VnExpress

In the first set, Indonesia were accurate in most of their shots to win 21-18. Vietnam had more blocks but also had more misses.

The second set saw Vietnam improving their finishing, with key attacker Tran Thi Ngoc Yen scoring nonstop to help Vietnam win 21-18, bringing the game into the third and final set.

Vietnam had an eight-point lead early thanks to Yen's excellent finishing again. Things even went easier for Vietnam when Indonesia's main server Kusnelia Kusnelia had to leave the court early after a knee injury. Kusnelia cried on her way out for being unable to continue playing.

As the defending world champions, Vietnam maintained a safe lead with multiple successful blocks. They won 21-14 in the third set and claim the gold medal.

Six players that brought Vietnam the precious gold were Yen, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Huyen, Nguyen Thi My, Nguyen Thi Yen, Le Thi Tu Trinh and Tran Thi Hong Nhung.

After Yen scored the winning point, the coaching team entered the court to celebrate with the players. This is Vietnam's second gold medal at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, and the country's first sepak takraw gold since the 2006 Asian Games.

Pham Quang Huy brought Vietnam its first gold medal at this year tournament after topping the men's 10 m air pistol event on September 28.