A boost is needed for the 2026 Asian Games.

VHO - The biggest arena for Vietnamese sports in 2026 is the 20th Asian Games, the largest sporting event in the continent, bringing together leading sporting powers in the region.

From the success at the 33rd SEA Games to the achievements at the 2026 Asian Games, a meticulous preparation and investment process is required. Photo: QUY LUONG

New impetus from policy

Following a SEA Games marked by outstanding success in Olympic and Asian Games (ASIAD) sports, Vietnamese sports have gained further confidence for the journey ahead.

However, the path to glory on the continental stage has never been easy. The gap in skill level, depth of talent, training science , and professionalism still exists, requiring thorough and long-term preparation. In particular, Vietnamese sports need a significant boost to create momentum for a breakthrough at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.

During the preparations for the 2026 Asian Games, one of the most positive signs for Vietnamese sports is the signing of Decree No. 349/2025/ND-CP by Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, replacing Decree No. 152/2018/ND-CP, which stipulates the regime and policies for coaches, athletes, and team members during training camps and competitions. The Decree takes effect on February 15, 2026, precisely at a pivotal stage in the preparation cycle for the 20th Asian Games.

The highlight of the Decree is its comprehensive approach, encompassing core issues directly related to the lives and contributions of coaches and athletes, from salaries, nutrition, special benefits, healthcare, injury treatment to cultural training, vocational training, employment, insurance, and performance-based bonuses. These are issues that have been raised for many years but lacked a sufficiently comprehensive policy framework to address them.

Notably, the Decree stipulates a specific nutritional regime for coaches and athletes summoned to national sports teams preparing to participate in major tournaments such as the SEA Games, ASIAD, Olympics, Asian Para Games, and Paralympic Games.

Accordingly, the applied nutrition allowance is 600,000 VND/person/day during the training camp period not exceeding 90 days. For key teams with the potential to win gold medals at the ASIAD, or to qualify for the Olympic or Paralympic Games, the nutrition allowance is increased to 800,000 VND/person/day.

This is a specialized program, focused on high-performance tasks, reflecting a significant shift in investment thinking, considering nutrition as a key factor in achievement.

In parallel, the Decree also refines the long-term incentive policy through a mechanism of monthly subsidies for athletes who achieve outstanding results.

According to regulations, Olympic gold medalists receive 40 million VND/person/month; Olympic silver medalists receive 30 million VND/person/month; Olympic bronze medalists, ASIAD gold medalists, and Paralympic gold medalists receive 20 million VND/person/month; Paralympic silver medalists receive 15 million VND/person/month; and athletes who qualify for the Olympics and Paralympic bronze medalists receive 10 million VND/person/month. The period for receiving this benefit is from the time of achieving the achievement at the Games until the next Games.

Over the years, many athletes have faced difficulties regarding training and competition conditions, as well as the pressure of stabilizing their lives after the peak of their careers.

The issuance of Decree 349/2025/ND-CP at this time therefore not only signifies the removal of bureaucratic obstacles, but is also seen as an important morale boost, creating more confidence and motivation for coaches and athletes to focus on the 2026 ASIAD and larger competitions in the future.

The goal is to finish in the top 20 at ASIAD 20.

However, even the most correct and effective policies only truly work when placed within a comprehensive, synchronized, and consistent overall strategy. The 2026 Asian Games is an arena where disparities are measured not only by talent or fighting spirit, but also by the depth of the squad, the level of scientific training, and the ability to organize and manage modern sports.

Vietnamese sports have clearly defined their goals for developing high-performance sports by focusing investment on Olympic and ASIAD sports, improving the quality of training, education, and competition; promoting the application of science and technology in training and sports medicine; and striving to achieve high results at regional and international competitions, with the specific goal of reaching the top 20 at ASIAD 20 in Japan.

To realize that goal, the selection of athletes for the ASIAD needs to be based on choosing the right sport, the right athletes, and the right development cycle. Positive signs from the 33rd SEA Games show that with proper investment, Olympic sports can absolutely make a difference. However, the SEA Games is still only a regional benchmark; the ASIAD demands a higher level, where even small mistakes in training, psychological preparation, or physical recovery can be costly.

Along with human resources, infrastructure and training conditions continue to be key factors. Attention to allocating and investing funds in renovating and upgrading the system of facilities and equipment serving training and competition at key national and local training centers needs to be implemented decisively, avoiding scattered and superficial efforts. This is the foundation for new policies to be effective and create sustainable results.

The 2026 Asian Games is not just a sporting event, but also a crucial test for the direction of Vietnamese sports on its journey to reach the continental and global levels. The leverage from the Decree on the regime and policies for coaches and athletes has opened up a valuable opportunity, but this opportunity will only become an achievement when accompanied by a determination to innovate, serious implementation, and a long-term vision.

Amidst both hope and challenges, Vietnamese sports need to remain level-headed, avoiding complacency with regional successes, while also possessing the courage to enter the ASIAD arena with the mindset of a sports nation undergoing transformation. If we can effectively leverage policy incentives, remain steadfast in our strategic investment priorities, and nurture the aspiration for breakthroughs, ASIAD 2026 could very well become a significant milestone on the path to elevating Vietnamese sports.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/can-cu-hich-cho-asiad-2026-197171.html