Can Tho sports authorities raise awareness about doping prevention and control.

Looking ahead to the 10th National Sports Games in 2026, Can Tho's sports sector is not only focusing on improving professional skills and strengthening its workforce but also on building a clean and fair competitive environment. The recent training course on doping prevention for coaches and athletes organized by the Can Tho City Sports Training and Competition Center in collaboration with the Vietnam Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) demonstrates Can Tho's proactive adaptation to the increasingly stringent requirements of modern sports.

Coaches and athletes from Can Tho participate in a doping training course.

The training course attracted 364 participants, including coaches and athletes from the Can Tho City Sports Training and Competition Center and the National Defense Sports Center 4 (Military Region 9). This is the first time Can Tho has organized a large-scale, in-depth program on doping prevention and control. The training content directly addresses real-life situations in training, competition, and the daily lives of athletes.

The trainees were updated on the latest list of banned substances, guided on doping test sampling procedures, therapeutic exemption (TUE) regulations, how to look up medications and supplements, and learned about the potential risks of using supplements of unknown origin. Many specific scenarios were analyzed, from the use of cold medicine and common medications to popular dietary supplements on the market. This showed that many doping violations in sports stem from carelessness or a lack of understanding.

Mr. Tran Dinh Hai, Deputy Director of the Can Tho City Sports Training and Competition Center, stated that the training course aims to equip participants with knowledge and raise awareness regarding compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and international standards. This will help coaches and athletes understand anti-doping regulations, identify violations, minimize risks associated with the use of drugs and supplements, and correctly follow doping testing procedures. This is also a necessary condition for athletes to qualify for the 10th National Sports Games in 2026.

The training course also emphasized the role of coaches and support staff in controlling nutrition, the origin of medications, and supplements for athletes. This is a particularly important step to prevent unfortunate mistakes before major tournaments, where doping checks are conducted strictly and frequently.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Quan, Deputy Director of VADA, stated that the program's goal is to raise awareness to minimize and limit doping violations, and to uphold the spirit of honesty, sportsmanship, and fairness for all athletes participating in the 10th National Sports Games. According to regulations, anti-doping education is mandatory for athletes participating in the 24 key sports at the Games.

Can Tho's sports sector is demonstrating serious preparation for the 10th National Sports Games in 2026, scheduled to take place in November. Tens of thousands of athletes and coaches from provinces, cities, and sectors nationwide will compete in numerous Olympic and ASIAD sports. This is a highly competitive Games, given the significant changes in the balance of power among localities following administrative unit mergers.

Proactive prevention of doping not only helps Can Tho sports reduce risks, but also contributes to building the image of a professional, transparent, and sustainably developing sports system.

Text and photos: NGUYEN MINH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/the-thao-can-tho-nang-cao-nhan-thuc-ve-phong-chong-doping-a205343.html