Vietnam defeats Thailand to retain women's world pétanque championship

The tournament, held from October 9 to 12 at the Boulodrome du Douaisis, brought together competitors from 45 countries and territories.

Vietnam fielded two teams, including the defending champion — Lan Anh, Thu Tao, Kim Than, and Nguyen Thi Hien — competing as Vietnam 1.

However, this year's glory belonged to Vietnam 2, featuring four new players — Le Ngoc Nhu Y, Nguyen Thi Thuy Kieu, Nguyen Thi Thi, and Lai Thi Dung — under the guidance of head coach Dang Xuan Vui from Hanoi.

The quartet's path to the crown was both dominant and convincing.

After a series of impressive group-stage wins, they defeated compatriot Vietnam 1 13-3 in the quarterfinals, then overcame Belgium 13-10 in the semifinals to reach the championship match.

In the final, Thailand, determined to avenge their 2023 loss, was no match for Vietnam's composure and precision.

The Vietnamese players quickly took control and sealed a commanding 13-1 victory in less than an hour to secure the gold medal and the world title.

"This is a highly valuable professional achievement for the Vietnamese athletes. We congratulate our players on winning the gold medal after the final match," Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Saigon) newspaper quoted Vui as saying.

This marks the second time in a row the Vietnamese women's pétanque team has won the world championship title, following their first triumph in Thailand in 2023.

It is another proud milestone in the nation's growing presence on the global pétanque stage.