Former Vietnamese national team setter returns after 8 years, wins championship at age 32

Veteran setter Hong Dao marks her comeback by winning the Hoa Lu Cup with VTV Binh Dien Long An.

After an 8-year absence, veteran setter Nguyen Thi Hong Dao made an impressive return, helping VTV Binh Dien Long An win the women's championship at the 2026 Hoa Lu Cup Volleyball Tournament.

At the 2026 Hoa Lu Cup, Hong Dao performed outstandingly on the court, particularly in her ability to handle difficult balls.

In the thrilling 5-set final against VietinBank, when the Western team trailed after two sets, Hong Dao played a crucial role in helping VTV Binh Dien Long An win back set 4 (25-14) and set 5 (15-7) to claim the title. Her precise and skillful passes created advantages for the attackers, changing the course of the match.

At 32 years old, Hong Dao demonstrated the composure and class that once helped the Vietnamese national team achieve a historic comeback at the 2015 Asian Championship, when Vietnam defeated Japan 3-2, a team ranked among the world's top five.

Born in 1994, she rose to prominence early wearing the jersey of Club VTV Binh Dien Long An and the national youth team from 2010. Hong Dao's talent was further proven by winning the 2017 national championship with her club and many important victories with the national team.

Although she retired at age 24 to focus on personal life and married a businessman, her passion for volleyball still urged Hong Dao to return to the court.

In 2021, Hong Dao drew attention by posting a suggestive status about her comeback: "Suddenly missing the arena lights." It took five more years before people saw Hong Dao return to play for VTV Binh Dien Long An.

Hong Dao's return not only provided VTV Binh Dien Long An with more experience and stability ahead of the 2026 season, but also served as a major inspiration for the young players in the team.