Measurement and conditions

Following the 32nd SEA Games, the Southeast Asian Games will undergo a comprehensive reform to keep pace with global developments. Deputy Director General of the General Department of Physical Education and Sports, Tran Duc Phan, had a conversation with Nhan Dan Weekend about this issue.

- What is your assessment of Vietnam's goals at the 32nd SEA Games, given that many of their strongest events have been cut ?

- The reduction in the number of sports and events will naturally affect our performance. However, this affects all countries in the region, not just Vietnam. We are not comparing the number of gold medals from the previous SEA Games with this one, as it depends on the number of sports and events. However, according to preliminary calculations, we may lose around 50 gold medals. But I emphasize, that is just an estimate.

- At this point in time, is ranking still truly important, and should performance targets at the SEA Games be considered a measure of the development of our national sports, sir?

- Vietnamese athletes participating in the 32nd SEA Games are predicted to win around 300 medals of all kinds, including 90-120 gold medals. If they achieve this, the Vietnamese Sports Delegation will be in the Top 3. If they win fewer, it will be very difficult. In any case, I think we shouldn't use the SEA Games as a benchmark, because we are focusing on the ASIAD.

- Are the SEA Games also preparing for significant changes, sir ?

- Starting with the 33rd SEA Games to be held in Thailand in 2025, regional sports will adopt a completely new and groundbreaking principle.

Accordingly, host countries must adhere to the regulations governing Olympic sports, the number of sports in the Asian Games, and especially the regulations regarding the number of sports in Group Three, i.e., regional sports. Each host country's traditional sports cannot exceed two and eight events. This is a groundbreaking regulation that helps break down subjective elements and ensures greater objectivity.

The Vietnamese weightlifting team has the potential to win gold at the 19th Asian Games. Photo: My Ha

- Based on your personal experiences gained over many years of work, what do you consider to be the biggest challenge to achieving the goal of elevating the status of Vietnamese sports ?

- Personally, I think this change is beyond expectations. I've always suggested that all Olympic sports should be included in each SEA Games. Of course, this change also presents many challenges. For example, if Timor Leste hosts, it would be difficult to include all the sports.

However, members of the Southeast Asian Council all recognize that continuing to organize the SEA Games as it is currently will create difficulties for countries, especially those with developed sports and achievements close to those of the Asian Games and the Olympics. If we continue to organize the Games in this manner, we will not be able to guarantee an improvement in the overall quality of sports in the region.

Regarding national sports, we have instructed the national teams, coaches, and athletes to prepare in a "two-in-one" manner from now on. The strategy is expected to be submitted to the Government for approval.

Currently, the SEA Games are a suitable arena for Vietnam, meaning we train, compete, invest, and will win medals. However, solutions related to raising the level of performance of our national sports in major arenas (such as the Asian Games or the Olympics) are extremely important tasks. We are pursuing many tasks simultaneously, but the focus in the coming period must be on the Asian Games.

Simply put, in the cycle of Vietnamese sports, our main goal is the ASIAD Games and we strive for the Olympics, while the SEA Games are a regular objective.

- So, what specific plans does Vietnamese sports have to train key athletes for the ASIAD and the Olympics ?

- In my assessment, at the 19th Asian Games in China this September, with the current Vietnamese team, it will be difficult for us to achieve high results. Therefore, we need to develop a specific plan and strive step by step. Based on our experience over the years, we are fully capable of winning 10, or even more, gold medals at the Asian Games. The necessary condition here is to ensure proper training, competitive experience, expert guidance, nutrition, etc., for our key national athletes.

Currently, Vietnam's sports infrastructure is still limited. Even national sports training centers receive insufficient investment and have not addressed fundamental issues aimed at achieving good and consistent results in top-level competitions such as the Asian Games or the Olympics.

Thank you, sir !

( According to nhandan.vn )

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