Vietnam’s national archery team at the 20th Asian Games (ASIAD 20) is steadily narrowing the competitive gap against the continent’s premier powerhouses, highlighted by strong performances in both recurve and compound events during the opening qualification phases and early elimination rounds.
The campaign featured mixed fortunes across continental brackets, anchored by a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent selected by the coaching staff. The national delegation traveled with recurve and compound squads under the direction of coaches Bui Thi Thu Phuong (Phu Tho), Dao Trong Kien (Hai Phong), Do Van Duy (Vinh Long), alongside Indian expert Salaria Richpal Singh.
During the men’s team compound elimination matches, the trio of Dang Cong Duc, Tran Xuan Huong, and Nguyen Van Day secured a 234-228 victory against the Philippines. However, the subsequent quarterfinal bracket presented formidable hurdles. The Vietnamese men’s compound side fell to Chinese Taipei, while the women’s compound team—comprising Le Thuy Phuong Nhi, Le Pham Ngoc Anh, and Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao—exited following a narrow 223-226 defeat against China.
The women’s recurve lineup featured Loc Thi Dao, Trieu Huyen Diep, and Hoang Phuong Thao, representing Hanoi. They were joined on the men’s side by Le Quoc Phong (Vinh Long), Nguyen Hoang Phi Vu (Hai Phong), and Nguyen Duy (Vinh Long). Meanwhile, the compound squad featured Dang Cong Duc (Quang Ninh), Tran Xuan Huong (Hanoi), and Nguyen Van Day (Vinh Long) alongside their female counterparts.
Qualification Successes and Regional Standing
Earlier qualification and ranking rounds established a solid foundation for the national squad. In the women’s individual recurve division, Loc Thi Dao accumulated 668 points across two rounds to finish 8th in qualifying, securing a favorable position for the elimination phases. In the men’s individual compound event, Dang Cong Duc placed 6th overall with a total of 709 points.
Team rankings further reflected the squad’s physical and mental preparation. The Vietnamese women’s recurve team claimed 7th place in qualifying, while the men’s compound team finished 4th. These results reinforce the program’s standing as a competitive force in Southeast Asia, underscored by head-to-head victories against regional rivals including Malaysia and the Philippines.
At the same time, quarterfinal exits against elite continental opponents such as China and Chinese Taipei highlighted specific technical gaps that require attention. Technical staff noted that absolute shooting precision and sustained mental stability during decisive final moments remain critical determinants at the highest tier of international competition.
Looking Ahead to Individual and Mixed Finals
The competition schedule shifts toward individual and mixed team finals across both recurve and compound disciplines. Expectations remain high for individual medal contention, particularly from Loc Thi Dao, Le Quoc Phong, and Nguyen Hoang Phi Vu in recurve events, alongside Dang Cong Duc and Le Thuy Phuong Nhi in compound divisions.
Coaching staff plan to utilize the high-level international exposure to evaluate current training methodologies and refine long-term preparation frameworks. With mixed team events demanding precise coordination between male and female archers, athletes aim to apply lessons learned from the team matches to maintain composure through the closing days of competition.
