Thai newspapers express surprise as the sepak takraw team suffers a painful defeat to Vietnam in the ASIAD final.

The match between Vietnam and Thailand was incredibly exciting.

According to Khaosod , the Thai women's sepak takraw team was unable to avenge their previous defeat against Vietnam, losing 1-2 in the final on the morning of October 3rd. The Thai newspaper emphasized that this defeat was particularly heartbreaking for the home team, as Thailand had come very close to victory at one point.

Khaosod described: “In the first set, Vietnam played effectively and won 15-11. In the second set, Thailand at one point led 13-8 and seemed to have the advantage. However, our athletes unexpectedly allowed Vietnam to score 6 consecutive points, taking a 14-13 lead. Thailand then managed to regain control and win 17-15 to take the match to a deciding set. However, in the third set, Vietnam showed better consistency and composure, winning 15-11 to claim the gold medal.”

Khaosod specifically emphasized: “After recent setbacks, the Vietnamese sepak takraw team successfully avenged their defeat against Thailand in the four-person event. At the same time, this victory also helped Vietnam successfully defend the gold medal they won at the 19th Asian Games.”

Meanwhile, Khobsanam praised the Vietnamese team's performance and assessed that Thailand was unable to withstand the opponent's attacks. Khobsanam commented: "The gold medal final was a breathtaking battle, with both teams constantly battling and needing a third set to decide the champion. In the end, Vietnam showed strength and composure in crucial moments, winning the gold medal."

Notably, Think Curve not only talked about the failure but also sent a message of encouragement to the Thai women's team. Think Curve suggested that the dream of winning a gold medal did not come true, but the disappointment at the 20th Asian Games could become a motivation for the Thai female athletes to continue fighting in the future.

The renowned sports news website Siamsport also praised the fighting spirit of the Thai team in the final match. Siamsport commented: “Thailand had moments of excellent play, especially in set 2 when they adjusted their personnel and improved their blocking ability. Thailand led 13-9, but Vietnam persevered, leveling the score at 13-13. Vietnam then had a chance to finish the set but made a mistake, allowing Thailand to win 17-15. However, in the decisive set, Vietnam quickly regained their composure after falling behind 0-3. From a 5-5 deficit, the Vietnamese girls surged ahead to lead 8-6 and maintained their advantage to win 15-11, securing the gold medal.”

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Meanwhile, Thairath Sports acknowledged that Vietnam played with more confidence at the decisive moment. Thairath Sports particularly emphasized that the diverse attacking style of the Vietnamese team was one of the factors that helped the defending champions overcome Thailand.

Thairath Sports commented: “This defeat means Thailand only won a silver medal in the women's four-person sepak takraw event. The Vietnamese sepak takraw team at ASIAD 20 only won two gold medals, in the women's team and men's singles events, in addition to two silver medals in the men's team and women's four-person team events. For Vietnam, the victory against Thailand brought them their third gold medal at ASIAD 20, following successes in women's doubles sepak takraw and women's team karate kata. This is also one of the most notable victories for Vietnamese sports at this year's Games.”