Vietnam beats Thailand to take Asian Games women’s regu-4 gold
The Vietnamese team won the deciding set 15-11, claiming the Asian Games title in the event for the third time.
Vietnam defeated Thailand in the women’s regu-4 sepak takraw final at the 20th Asian Games in Japan, winning the opening and deciding sets by 15-11. Thailand took the second set 17-15.
Nguyen Thi My, Tran Thi Ngoc Yen, Nguyen Thi Yen and Nguyen Thi Ngoc Huyen started for Vietnam. They established a 7-4 advantage in the opening set before securing it despite interruptions while Thailand’s Wiphada received treatment for injuries.
Thailand introduced Bunthod Manlika for the second set. She and Somruedee helped put Thailand ahead 6-2 and then 10-6. Attacks by Ngoc Yen helped Vietnam turn an 8-13 deficit into a 14-13 lead, but Thailand recovered to force a deciding set.
Vietnam also trailed early in the decider before drawing level. Ngoc Yen delivered the attacking kick that clinched the title. Vietnam had earlier beaten Thailand 2-0 during group play and had also won gold in this event at the 19th Asian Games, when Thailand did not participate.
The Games run from September 19 to October 4, with Vietnam targeting more than four gold medals. Its women’s karate team earned the delegation’s first gold on September 22 by beating Iran in the team kata final. On September 29, Vietnam defeated the Philippines 2-0 to win the women’s sepak takraw doubles title.
