“Na een middag vol enthousiaste, gepassioneerde en toegewijde wedstrijden heeft het CIC Open 2026 sporttoernooi alle geplande doelstellingen met succes behaald,” declared Le Anh Tuan, deputy general director, chairman of the CIC trade union, and head of the tournament’s organizing committee, summarizing the competition at the closing ceremony.
The CIC Open 2026 sports tournament brought together 246 athletes from departments, bureaus, and units of the State Bank of Vietnam and related organizations to compete across four distinct disciplines: pickleball, badminton, table tennis, and tennis.
High-ranking officials from the banking sector attended the event to support the competitors. Among those present were Pham Tien Dung, member of the Permanent Committee of the Party Committee, deputy governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), and chairman of the Vietnam Bankers’ Union; Nguyen Khanh Chi, permanent vice chairwoman of the Vietnam Bankers’ Union; and Cao Van Binh, secretary of the Party Committee, chairman of the Board of Directors, and general director of CIC.
Pickleball Drives Participation Across Banking Units
Pickleball emerged as the dominant discipline at the 2026 tournament, drawing nearly 160 participants. That figure accounted for nearly two-thirds of the total athletic field, fueling an explosive and competitive atmosphere throughout the venue.
Athletes represented a wide cross-section of the state banking apparatus, including units under the SBV, the Vietnam Asset Management Company (VAMC), the Vietnam National Payment Corporation (NAPAS), the National Mint, the Vietnam Bankers’ Association, and State Bank of Vietnam Region 1.
Pham Tien Dung marked the opening by presenting flowers to congratulate the tournament committee and competitors. The event served as a platform for public servants, government employees, and workers to improve their physical fitness, following the example of President Ho Chi Minh while strengthening institutional solidarity.
Building Industry Unity Through Competition
Le Anh Tuan emphasized the broader institutional purpose of the tournament during his address at the closing ceremony, noting how athletic competition fosters cross-departmental coordination.
“Op het veld zijn we misschien rivalen, maar daarbuiten zijn we collega’s die verantwoordelijkheden en doelen delen om bij te dragen aan de ontwikkeling van de banksector,” Le Anh Tuan stated, highlighting that the mindset built on the court translates directly into better cooperation and understanding among different banking entities.
Organizers positioned the CIC Open as a platform that aligns with the government initiative encouraging every citizen to select at least one suitable sport for regular practice. The success of the tournament confirms the appeal and impact of the organization by CIC.
