Vietnam’s national sports team failed to meet its objectives at the 20th Asian Games, securing only 3 gold, 3 silver, and 19 bronze medals, placing 20th in the overall standings and 5th in Southeast Asia. The performance has sparked critical analysis from Bae Ji Won, a South Korean expert and former assistant coach of Park Hang Seo of Vietnam’s national team, who highlighted systemic challenges in the country’s sports development strategy.
Vietnam’s Asian Games Performance
The 20th Asian Games saw Vietnam’s delegation underperform compared to regional peers. With a total of 25 medals, the nation fell short of expectations. Bae Ji Won, who worked with Vietnam’s national team, described the results as a reflection of broader issues in the country’s sports infrastructure and investment priorities. “The medals reflect not just athlete willpower, but also the development level of the national sports system,” he said during an interview with Dan Tri.
Vietnam’s struggles were particularly evident in sports like shooting, where the team’s performance was disappointing. Bae noted that the country’s focus on a broad range of disciplines, rather than strategic investments in high-potential sports, contributed to the underachievement.
Comparative Analysis: South Korea’s Sports Strategy
Bae contrasted Vietnam's approach with South Korea's structured investment in individual sports. South Korea's success in events like archery, shooting, and taekwondo is attributed to targeted funding, advanced sports science, and government support. "South Korea invests heavily in individual sports, even if they are less popular, because they offer higher medal potential in continental and global competitions," Bae explained.
South Korea’s infrastructure also sets it apart. “Even less popular sports receive government and local support,” Bae said. This model contrasts with Vietnam’s reliance on centralized funding, which often spreads resources too thin.
Funding and Investment Challenges in Vietnam
A key issue identified by Bae is Vietnam’s overreliance on government funding, coupled with limited private sector involvement. “Vietnam’s sports sector is still heavily dependent on state support, but it’s spread across too many disciplines,” he stated. This diversification, while broad, dilutes the impact of investments.
The lack of commercial revenue further exacerbates the problem. Even in popular sports like football, clubs in the V.League rely heavily on corporate sponsorships, which generate limited income. “There’s a need for substantial investment in sports with medal potential, especially for the Asian Games and Olympics,” Bae emphasized. He argued that shifting focus from regional competitions to continental events could improve Vietnam’s competitive edge.
Vietnam Lags Behind Regional Rivals at Asian Games
Vietnam’s performance at the 20th Asian Games placed it behind regional rivals such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Thailand, for instance, showed strength in taekwondo, weightlifting, and athletics, while Indonesia excelled in badminton, climbing, and weightlifting. The Philippines, known for gymnastics, also outperformed Vietnam in several categories.
Bae acknowledged that Vietnam’s lack of progress on the continental stage is a concern. “Compared to these countries, Vietnam hasn’t shown impressive results in recent years,” he said. He suggested that Vietnam should adopt strategies similar to South Korea and Japan, which have successfully balanced investment in both popular and individual sports. “Learning from these models could help Vietnam close the gap,” he added.
The Role of Sports Science and Technology
South Korea's emphasis on sports science has significantly improved its athletes' performance. The integration of disciplines like physiology, psychology, and technology into training programs has optimized performance and reduced injury risks.
South Korea’s use of advanced technologies, including video analysis and AI-driven training tools, has also given its athletes an edge. The country's investment in medical and rehabilitation technologies, such as heat therapy and massage, ensures faster recovery from injuries. “These elements are crucial for maintaining competitiveness at the highest level,” Bae said.
Future Recommendations for Vietnam
Bae outlined several steps for Vietnam to improve its sports development. First, the country must prioritize high-potential sports and allocate resources strategically. Second, it should enhance collaboration with the private sector to diversify funding sources. Third, investing in sports science and infrastructure is essential for long-term success.
“Vietnam needs to learn from countries like South Korea and Japan, which have proven that focused investment and systematic planning yield results,” Bae concluded. He urged policymakers to adopt a forward-looking strategy, emphasizing that the goal is to excel on the global stage.
What’s Next for Vietnamese Sports?
With the 20th Asian Games behind them, Vietnam’s sports authorities face the challenge of reevaluating their strategies. Bae’s insights provide a roadmap for reform, but the success of these efforts will depend on concrete actions from both the government and private sector.
As Vietnam looks to the future, the lessons from the 20th Asian Games serve as a catalyst for change. By addressing funding gaps, using sports science, and focusing on high-potential disciplines, the nation can build a more competitive and sustainable sports system.
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