By MARK REY MONTEJO
Alas Pilipinas womens team tormentor in Nguyễn Thị Bích Tuyền has opted out of the Vietnam national team for the upcoming 2025 Women’s Volleyball World Championship starting this week in several cities of Thailand.
Tuyền begged off to participate in the global volleyfest slated Aug. 22 to Sept. 7 due to personal and family reasons which the Volleyball Federation of Vietnam (VFV) and women’s volleyball head coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet verified.
The 25-year-old opposite spiker expressed herself on social media, pointing out the new demands from the FIVB as well as the importance of respect and fairness to the players.
“I decided to withdraw not because I didn’t want to compete for my team but because of these new requirements from the FIVB about the player conditions,” Tuyen stressed.
“Sports are not just about competition, they are also about respect and fairness. I feel that these new rules are lacking transparency and fairness to the athletes,” she added. “Every athlete deserves to vie in an environment where respect and equality are upheld.”
It was a big blow for the world No. 22 Vietnam as it was inserted in Pool G alongside No. 3 Poland, No. 11 Germany, and No. 23 Kenya in the meet where 32 countries from 5 confederations will take part including reigning champ Serbia.
Tuyền, one of the prolific hitters in Southeast Asia, was a victim of gender scrutiny from the past years as many fans and critics continue to question her sex.
VFV stated that it is ready to welcome Tuyen if she decides to come back again for the SEA Games perennial bridesmaid.
Tuyen recently anchored the Vietnamese bets over the fancied Thais in five sets to reign supreme in the SEA Women’s V.League Leg 2. There, the Philippines finished with bronze in both legs.
