The Vietnamese national team striker speaks frankly about her significant responsibility.

Striker Hai Yen discussed her role as the spearhead of the Vietnam women's team following the absence of Tuyet Dung and Huynh Nhu.

During the preparation for the women's football event at the 2026 Asian Games, forward Pham Hai Yen is gradually taking on the role of one of the most experienced players in the Vietnam women's national team. Speaking before the afternoon training session on August 11, the 1994-born striker said the whole team is working hard to improve fitness, adapt to the weather, and aim to get past the group stage of the Asian Games.

The Vietnam women's national team has just regrouped to prepare for the 2026 Asian Games. According to Pham Hai Yen, in the early days of the camp, head coach Hoang Van Phuc and the coaching staff are focusing on getting the players back to their best physical foundation.

In the context of the Vietnam women's team entering a generational transition, the absence of experienced players like Tuyet Dung and Huynh Nhu makes Hai Yen one of the oldest players in the squad. This is also a new role that makes the striker clearly aware of her responsibility.

“In recent training camps, Tuyet Dung and Huynh Nhu have been absent one after another. For me, this is also a gradual process of becoming the 'leading figure' of the whole team. This responsibility has been emphasized by the coaching staff, which is that I need to guide the younger players to improve. I hope I can fulfill my duty well,” Hai Yen shared.

With many years of playing experience for the Vietnam women's national team, Hai Yen also highly appreciates the young faces who are gradually making their mark. According to her, the emergence of young players can help the team maintain competitiveness during the transition.

“In the positions of sister Tuyet Dung and sister Huynh Nhu, there are now quite a few young players who are improving. At Tuyet Dung's wing position, Thanh Nha has been able to meet the requirements. And at Huynh Nhu's striker position, players like Minh Chuyen, Hoang Van, or Truc Huong are also getting better.

I think with their youth and good fitness, they can meet the coaching staff's requirements,” Hai Yen commented.