The new roadmap for athletics

At the 33rd SEA Games, Vietnamese track and field athletes continued to assert their position with impressive performances. From spectacular breakthroughs to the emergence of a talented young generation, Vietnamese athletics not only achieved success at the regional level but also painted a promising picture for the journey to conquer the 2026 Asian Games.

Experience and youthful energy combine at the 33rd SEA Games. Photo | Nhat Thinh

In Thailand, the Vietnamese athletics team successfully completed their mission with an impressive performance, finishing second overall after the host team with 12 gold medals, 12 silver medals, and 11 bronze medals, breaking 2 SEA Games records, 4 national records, and numerous individual records. This is not only a significant contribution to the total number of gold medals for the Vietnamese sports delegation, but also a testament to a strong and promising rejuvenation of the team.

Most notably, Nguyen Thi Oanh dominated her strongest events: the 5,000m, 10,000m, and 3,000m steeplechase. She set a historic milestone by becoming the first person to win the 5,000m at five consecutive SEA Games, bringing her total number of SEA Games gold medals to 15 and inspiring the entire team.

In addition, Quách Thị Lan and Nguyễn Trung Cường continued to demonstrate their class with championships. The relay events also saw significant breakthroughs. The mixed 4x400m relay team (with members Nguyễn Thị Ngọc, Lê Ngọc Phúc, Nguyễn Thị Hằng, and Tạ Ngọc Tưởng) and the women's relay team (including Hoàng Thị Minh Hạnh, Nguyễn Thị Hằng, Lê Thị Tuyết Mai, and Nguyễn Thị Ngọc) both performed excellently to win gold medals.

One of the most notable aspects of the 33rd SEA Games was the emergence of many promising young athletes such as Bui Thi Kim Anh (high jump), Le Thi Cam Tu (200m), Nguyen Khanh Linh (1,500m), Le Thi Tuyet (10,000m), Ha Thi Thuy Hang (long jump), Ho Trong Manh Hung (triple jump)... These young athletes not only participated in the competition but also won medals, even gold medals in some important events. They possess not only good physical fitness but also receive systematic training in technique and competition tactics. The confidence, desire to win, and ability to withstand pressure of this young generation are valuable assets for achieving greater goals.

The women's 4x400m relay team brilliantly won the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games. Photo | Pham Huyen

However, Vietnamese athletics still faces many challenges. In some events such as javelin throw, shot put, long jump, and long-distance running, the team is still unable to compete with strong regional rivals. These are sports that require long-term investment in facilities, training methods, and scientific nutrition. Furthermore, the gap between Vietnamese athletics and Asian powerhouses like China, Japan, and South Korea remains quite large. To be able to compete at the 2026 Asian Games, Vietnamese athletes not only need to maintain their current form but also make significant progress, especially in breakthrough events.

According to Mr. Nguyen Manh Hung, Secretary General of the Vietnam Athletics Federation, Vice President of the Southeast Asian Athletics Federation, and Member of the Asian Athletics Council, we need to participate in international organizations to have a voice, and send quality referees to participate to minimize disadvantages in competitions. At the same time, coordinating with the Asian Athletics Council helps introduce excellent centers and experts, thereby enabling the effective training of key athletes. At the recent SEA Games, the emergence of many young athletes showed that this is a promising next generation for Vietnamese athletics.

To realize this ambition, Vietnamese athletics governing bodies need a well-planned strategy. Maintaining a scientific training regimen, increasing participation in international competitions to gain experience, and investing in supporting technology are also crucial factors. Simultaneously, comprehensive policies to encourage and support athletes, both physically and mentally, are necessary.

It is clear that the 33rd SEA Games was an important stepping stone in the long-term roadmap of Vietnamese athletics, while the 2026 Asian Games in Japan will be an opportunity for Vietnam to test its true strength. The goal is not only to participate but also to win medals in several key events. Although many challenges remain, the achievements already made will be the motivation for the entire team to continue striving towards new heights.

ANH MAI

Source: https://nhandan.vn/lo-trinh-moi-cua-dien-kinh-post938480.html