Striker Huynh Nhu: Vietnam women's team determined to defend SEA Games Gold Medal

The training session of the Vietnamese women's team took place at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon (May 1) at NIPES Stadium. This is the hottest time of the day in Cambodia, but it is also the match time of coach Mai Duc Chung and his team in the 3 group stage matches. Therefore, training at this time is necessary to help the players adapt to the conditions here.

The first training session of the Vietnamese women's team in Cambodia.

“When we arrived in Cambodia, the weather was quite hot and different from Japan or Portugal, so the whole team had to adapt quickly. We chose to practice in the mid-afternoon to adapt well to the hot weather in Phnom Penh,” Huynh Nhu shared.

Striker Huynh Nhu answers media questions before training session. Photo: Hai Hoang

When asked about reintegrating into the team, the 2023 Golden Ball affirmed: “Although I did not train with the team in Japan, I followed and discussed with my teammates and the coaching staff after each training session. I know that the whole team has been very well prepared for this SEA Games. Personally, I also trained and competed every week in Portugal for Lank Club, so I believe that my physical strength and the whole team's are guaranteed.”

Huynh Nhu expressed her happiness at being trusted by everyone. Photo: Hai Hoang

“This group is very difficult. However, as the defending champions, we are confident and will compete with determination against any opponent to defend the SEA Games Gold Medal. I feel happy to receive everyone's trust and expectations. I also feel the pressure on myself in this tournament, but I will use it as motivation to try my best,” Huynh Nhu added.

Coach Mai Duc Chung instructs his students before practice. Photo: Hai Hoang

Tomorrow morning (May 2), the Vietnamese women's team will have a walk to get acquainted with the official playing field, Army Stadium, at 9am. Immediately after, team leader Duong Nghiep Khoi and some members of the coaching staff will attend a technical meeting at the Phnom Penh Hotel. Coach Mai Duc Chung and team captain Huynh Nhu will also attend a press conference at the hotel at 11am.

Some photos at the first training session of the Vietnamese women's team in Cambodia:

Despite the hot weather, the female players still overcame difficulties to practice. Photo: Hai Hoang

Coach Mai Duc Chung urged the players to increase their workload right from the start of the session. Under the 36-degree heat, the female players did not dare to rest. Photo: Hai Hoang

The 20-degree difference made many team members feel tired. Photo: Hai Hoang

The team's first task is to quickly adapt to the weather of the host country of the 32nd SEA Games. Photo: Hai Hoang