Dong Thap Province Flexes Sporting Muscle: Judo, Weightlifting, and Sepak Takraw Shine in Early 2025
Chau Ngoc Han and Ngo Kim Ngan of the Dong Thap Judo team celebrate their gold medal victory at the 2025 National Judo Championship.
Dong Thap province is making waves in the Vietnamese sports scene, showcasing notable talent and dedication across multiple disciplines. The province’s commitment to both grassroots sports development and elite athlete training is paying dividends, with recent performances at national tournaments highlighting the region’s growing sporting prowess. Think of it like a smaller-scale version of how states like California or Texas consistently produce top-tier athletes in the U.S. – Dong Thap is cultivating a winning culture.
The province’s success stems from a concerted effort by the Popular Provincial Committee, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the dedicated coaches and athletes at the provincial high school for gifted students. This collaborative approach has fostered an environment where athletes can thrive and achieve remarkable results on both national and international stages.
Judo Team Dominates National Championship
from March 31 to April 3, 2025, the Dong Thap judo team delivered a stellar performance at the National Judo 2025 Championship. Despite facing challenges such as a “rejuvenated” roster and injuries to key players, the team demonstrated unwavering determination.Competing against athletes from 20 strong units across the country, the young judokas secured an impressive haul of 2 gold medals, 3 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals, placing them among the top 4 teams in the medal standings. This is akin to a smaller college program upsetting established powerhouses in the NCAA tournament.
Nguyen Thi Nhung, a gold medalist in the individual female -70 kg competition, shared her experiance:
Adding to the judo team’s success, the duo of Chau Ngoc Han and Ngo Kim Ngan clinched gold in the female double Kata no kata performance. Silver medals were awarded to Hoang Long and Nguyen Thien Minh (Katame No Kata Men performance) and Nguyen Thi Hong gam (Individual -63kg women) and Nguyen Thi Nhu Y (Individual -78kg women). Pham The Minh Hieu (-100kg men) and Cao Minh Nghia (-55kg men) each secured bronze medals.
Weightlifter Yen Vy Defies Odds, Secures Gold
The Dong Thap weightlifting team also made a important impact at the National Youth Weightlifting Championship 2025. Vo Thi Yen Vy, the team’s sole representative, competed in the 40 kg female weight category (15-16 year old age group). Despite the challenges of cutting weight from 44 kg to 40 kg and facing fierce competition,Yen Vy displayed remarkable courage and skill.
Coach Nguyen Van Truong praised Yen Vy’s performance:
Yen Vy’s extraordinary performance in the clean and jerk earned her 2 gold medals, while she secured a silver medal in the snatch, marking an unforgettable tournament for the young weightlifter. this is the kind of underdog story that resonates with sports fans everywhere.
Sepak Takraw and Football Add to Dong Thap’s Triumphs
Adding to the province’s sporting achievements, the Sepak Takraw team secured first place overall at the National Club takraw Championship 2025, winning 3 gold medals and 3 bronze medals. The Dong Thap U19 football team also earned a bronze medal and the style prize at the national U19 football championship.
Looking Ahead: Continued Dedication and Ambition
Dong Thap province is poised to continue its ascent in the vietnamese sports landscape.With a focus on upcoming national and international tournaments, the province’s coaches and athletes remain committed to rigorous training and pursuing glory “for the flag and the colors.”
Further Inquiry: For U.S. sports fans, it would be interesting to compare dong Thap’s athlete development programs with similar initiatives in states known for producing elite athletes. How do their funding models, training methodologies, and talent identification processes compare? understanding these differences could provide valuable insights for sports development strategies in the U.S.
Le Thanh

Before the tournament, I was very stressed by the expectations of the technical staff. This is why I always do my best on the training field to prepare my physical strength, my form and my morale for the D -Day. The intensity of the fights, the public encouragement and the coach’s advice helped me gain self -confidence, to win critically important victories and to contribute to Dong Thap’s sport.
Her words highlight the pressure and dedication required to succeed at the national level.
In 2024 Dong Thap won only one bronze medal. The performances of the 2025 season therefore exceeded the expectations of the training committee. It is indeed all the more admirable as the athlete Vo Thi yen Vy suffered a shoulder injury before trying to have grate successes in his native province. The results of this tournament also motivate the athletes of the Halterophilia team of Dong thap to aim for the youth tournament and the national club tournament with the ambition to compete for medals.
The remarkable achievements of Dong Thap’s athletes reflect a comprehensive, long-term strategy. The province isn’t just focused on immediate wins; they’re building a enduring sporting ecosystem. This approach, centered on nurturing young talents and providing them with the resources they need to succeed, is a model for aspiring athletic powerhouses everywhere. The recent success stories in judo, weightlifting, sepak takraw, and football are just early indicators of future accomplishments.

A snapshot of Dong Thap’s medal haul across various sports in early 2025.
To offer a clearer perspective on Dong Thap’s extraordinary performance, consider the table below. It highlights key data points and allows for a visual comparison of each team’s achievement. This snapshot encapsulates the success and dedication of Dong Thap’s sports teams.
| Sport | Tournament | Gold Medals | Silver Medals | Bronze Medals | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Judo | National Judo Championship 2025 | 2 | 3 | 2 | Nguyen Thi Nhung, Chau Ngoc Han & Ngo Kim Ngan |
| Weightlifting | National Youth Weightlifting Championship 2025 | 2 (Clean and Jerk), 0 (Overall) | 1 (Snatch) | 0 | vo Thi Yen Vy |
| Sepak Takraw | National Club Takraw Championship 2025 | 3 | 0 | 3 | (Team Performance) |
| football (U19) | National U19 Football Championship | 0 | 0 | 1 | (Team Performance) |
The data underscores the depth of talent within Dong Thap. Judo and Sepak Takraw provided impressive results, and weightlifter Yen Vy’s solo performance proves that determination and resilience can conquer any obstacle. Even with only one representative,she displayed unusual competitiveness. Even more significantly, the U19 football team’s bronze medal win indicates a promising outlook for the province’s younger players as well.
Comparing with the Rest of Vietnam
How does Dong Thap’s performance stack up against the sporting landscape across Vietnam? While it’s difficult to provide a direct comparison, a trend has been seen. Other provinces, such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, often lead in medal counts due to their larger populations and more extensive resources. However, dong Thap, with its targeted training programs and a focus on young athletes, is steadily closing the gap. While we have no direct numerical data, multiple sources indicate a rise in the province’s reputation in the Vietnamese sports landscape.
The Future of Dong Thap Sports
The future is radiant for dong Thap. By consistently investing in youth programs and nurturing emerging talent, the province will undoubtedly see even greater achievements in the future.The combination of dedicated coaches, motivated athletes, and supportive infrastructure provides a formula for sustained success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Dong Thap Sports
This FAQ section answers some of the most commonly asked questions about Dong Thap’s sporting achievements,providing valuable information for sports fans and those interested in Vietnamese athletics.
Q: Where is Dong Thap province located?
A: Dong Thap is a province in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. It is known for its agricultural landscapes, historical sites, and, increasingly, its sporting successes.
Q: What sports are Dong Thap teams excelling in?
A: Dong Thap is currently making waves in judo, weightlifting, and sepak takraw. The U19 football team is also delivering positive results.
Q: Who are some of the key athletes to watch from Dong Thap?
A: Keep an eye on judokas Nguyen Thi Nhung, Chau Ngoc Han, Ngo Kim Ngan, and young weightlifter Vo Thi Yen Vy. As they continue to compete, expect more impressive achievements.
Q: What is the meaning of Dong Thap’s success?
A: dong Thap’s success highlights the importance of investment in grassroots sports and the growth of young athletes,. Also, it shows a rising regional power in the Vietnamese sports scene. It indicates a broader,long-term strategy of sporting programs in a dedicated environment and demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted training.
Q: How can I follow the progress of Dong Thap athletes?
A: Keep an eye on Vietnamese sports news outlets and the official websites of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Dong Thap province. You can also follow the progress of individual athletes through their social media accounts.
Q: what are the future goals of Dong Thap’s sports programs?
A: The province aims to build on its recent achievements, aiming for continued success in national and international tournaments. The focus remains on developing young athletes and providing them with the necessary resources to compete at the highest level.