The Team’s Foundation: Experience Meets Youth

At the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s archery program is a carefully balanced mix of veterans and rising stars. According to Nguyen Quoc Tuan, head of the city’s Archery Department, the team now boasts 36 quality athletes following a recent merger that consolidated talent from across the region.

The backbone of the squad includes names like Nong Van Linh, a three-time national champion known for her precision under pressure, and Be Thu Thuy, whose consistency has earned her a spot on Vietnam’s national youth team. Their experience is complemented by younger talents such as Le Hung Dung and Nguyen Ngoc Dung, who have rapidly ascended through the ranks after winning multiple medals at the city championship level.

Key Statistic: The team’s recent city championship performance—20 gold, 12 silver, and 6 bronze medals—demonstrates the depth of their talent pipeline, with Vung Tau ward alone contributing a significant portion of the medal haul.

Home-Field Advantage: Training at Lam Son Stadium

The team’s preparation has taken on added significance with their decision to train exclusively at Lam Son Stadium, the venue slated to host the archery competition during the National Sports Games. This strategic move allows athletes to acclimate to the stadium’s unique wind patterns and environmental conditions—a critical factor in archery, where even minor adjustments can mean the difference between gold and silver.

“Training at the actual competition site gives us an edge,” said Nguyen Quoc Tuan. “Our athletes can now visualize the target, account for the stadium’s microclimates, and refine their techniques with real-world conditions.”

Venue Context: Lam Son Stadium, located in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, has hosted high-profile sporting events in recent years, including the 2025 Southeast Asian Games. Its indoor facilities ensure consistent weather conditions, a rarity in Vietnam’s tropical climate.

National Context: Vietnam’s Archery Renaissance

Vietnam’s archery program has seen a resurgence in recent years, with the country producing athletes who regularly compete at the international level. The 10th National Sports Games, scheduled for later this year, serve as both a domestic showcase and a proving ground for potential Olympic candidates.

This year’s competition will feature 198 athletes from 12 delegations, according to the Vietnam Archery Federation. The inclusion of multiple strong regional teams—such as those from Hanoi and Da Nang—means Ho Chi Minh City’s squad will face stiff competition. However, their recent form and home advantage position them as favorites.

Competitive Landscape: While Ho Chi Minh City leads in team depth, Hanoi’s archery program remains a close second, with a focus on recurve bow disciplines. Da Nang, meanwhile, has emerged as a dark horse in compound bow events.

What to Watch: Key Storylines and Athletes

As the team prepares for the Games, several storylines will shape the narrative:

• Be Thu Thuy’s Leadership: The veteran archer’s ability to mentor younger teammates will be critical. Her performance in mixed-team events could set the tone for Ho Chi Minh City’s campaign.
• Youth vs. Experience: Athletes like Le Thuy Phuong Nhi represent the next generation. Their ability to step into high-pressure moments will determine the team’s long-term success.
• Tactical Adjustments: With multiple medal events on the schedule, the team’s coaching staff will need to rotate athletes strategically to avoid fatigue while maintaining consistency.
• Home Crowd Impact: Lam Son Stadium is expected to draw large local crowds, adding to the psychological pressure on rival teams.

Beyond the Games: Building for the Future

The 10th National Sports Games represent more than just a domestic competition—they are a platform for Vietnam’s archery program to project its ambitions on the global stage. Nguyen Quoc Tuan emphasized that the team’s success in these Games will directly influence selection for international tournaments, including the 2027 Asian Archery Championships.

“This is about more than medals,” Tuan said. “It’s about developing a sustainable pipeline of athletes who can compete with the best in the world.”