A rather unexpected decision from the reigning national champion.
According to the preliminary registration list of VTV Bình Điền Long An participating in Stage 1 of the 2026 National Volleyball Championship for Clubs held in Đông Anh, Hanoi from April 6 to April 19, main attacker Trần Thị Thanh Thúy surprisingly appears.
Thanh Thúy remains under the roster of VTV Bình Điền Long An and is a very important element of the reigning national champion, yet the fact that "4T" is named to participate in stage 1 is noteworthy because she is currently on loan to Gunma Green Wings..
While Trần Thị Bích Thủy – who is also playing in Japan – will only have two matches left this weekend as Okayama Seagulls have no chance for the playoffs, Thanh Thúy's Gunma Green Wings is assured a spot in the top 8 and has a ticket to advance.
"4T" is also a very crucial factor for Gunma this season, alongside the excellence of two other foreign players: Olivia Rozanski and Nasya Dimitrova. This trio has contributed greatly to the team's transformation, from bottom of the table last season to a chance (though not high) to compete for the championship this season.
Additionally, the preliminary list of VTV Bình Điền Long An contains another noteworthy detail: the appearance of a second foreign player besides Lianet Garcia. Information about the remaining foreign player of the reigning national champion remains a major question.
Teams will finalize the official list of 14 players participating in stage 1 of the National Championship for Clubs on April 5.