In Step with the Development of Vietnamese Sports

(DTO) Eighty years ago, on March 27, 1946, President Ho Chi Minh wrote the article “Health and Physical Exercise,” laying the ideological foundation for the development of the nation’s physical education and sports. Alongside the development of Vietnamese sports, Dong Thap sports have continuously grown, affirming their position and contributing to the country’s overall achievements.

STEADY GROWTH

Following the August Revolution,  the physical education and sports movement in Dong Thap (formerly associated with the Tien Giang - Dong Thap region)  began to take shape under extremely difficult conditions.

In the early days, human resources were limited, facilities were almost non-existent, and training activities mainly took place on makeshift open grounds.

Yet it was precisely in such hardship that the spirit of “physical fitness for national service” was strongly nurtured. The first generation of sports officials persistently worked at the grassroots level, encouraging people to engage in physical training and organizing simple yet meaningful community competitions.

Despite the lack of modern training conditions, their enthusiasm and determination became the driving force to sustain and develop the movement.

From these challenging beginnings, Dong Thap’s sports sector gradually built a solid foundation. Public awareness of the importance of physical exercise improved, forming regular training habits. Sports were no longer spontaneous activities but became an essential part of daily life. 

Alongside socio-economic development, Dong Thap’s sports sector has undergone notable transformation. 

Infrastructure has been increasingly upgraded with stadiums, gymnasiums, swimming pools, and training centers, creating favorable conditions for both grassroots sports and high-performance athletics.

Mass sports, in particular, have become a highlight. Daily scenes of people exercising in the morning, jogging, cycling, or participating in sports clubs have become common in both urban and rural areas.

Statistics show that nearly 40 percent of the province’s population regularly participates in sports activities, with more than 2,300 clubs being maintained and developed—reflecting a broad and sustainable grassroots movement.

Beyond improving health, sports have also strengthened community bonds. 
Grassroots tournaments, sports festivals, and events are held regularly, attracting large public participation.

Notably, the VPBank Dat Sen Hong Music Marathon 2025 has emerged as a signature event, drawing thousands of domestic and international athletes and contributing to promoting the image of a dynamic and friendly locality.
School sports also play a vital role in identifying and nurturing young talents.

Activities such as the Phu Dong Health Games and annual student sports competitions have been regularly maintained, providing healthy playgrounds and contributing to the comprehensive development of the younger generation. From modest schoolyards, many athletes have grown and become key members of the province’s sports teams.

Within the armed forces and among cadres, civil servants and public employees, physical training and sports movements have also developed strongly. These activities not only improve physical health but also help enhance morale, determination and work efficiency, contributing to a positive and cohesive working environment.

SCALING NEW HEIGHTS

Built on a strong grassroots movement, Dong Thap’s high-performance sports sector has made significant progress, gradually affirming its position within the national sports system.

Currently, the province maintains training programs in 26 sports with more than 900 athletes across different levels, from junior development squads to provincial teams. 

Each year, Dong Thap’s sports delegations participate in nearly 100 domestic and international competitions, winning hundreds of medals.

These achievements are not merely numbers but serve as proof of a methodical, persistent and well-oriented investment process. 

Several key sports have created a distinct identity for Dong Thap. Shuttlecock kicking and sepak takraw are two standout disciplines, consistently contributing athletes to national teams and winning high achievements at regional and international competitions.

Martial arts such as Judo, Boxing and Taekwondo have also continued to develop, bringing home many important medals. Meanwhile, swimming and athletics have shown positive progress, offering strong prospects for the future.

Behind every medal lies a story of relentless effort—long training sessions from early morning until late evening, moments of overcoming injuries, and the sweat and tears of athletes. 

They compete not only with physical strength but also with determination, ambition and pride in representing their homeland.

The role of coaches cannot be overlooked. They are the silent contributors behind athletes’ success, serving not only as technical instructors but also as mentors who inspire, guide and help athletes overcome pressure to maximize their potential.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Chi, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, looking back on the 80-year journey of Vietnamese sports, it is clear that Dong Thap sports have made important contributions to the overall national picture. 

From the early days of hardship to today’s strong development, the journey has been shaped by determination, dedication and the aspiration to rise of many generations.

The achievements gained are not only the result of individual efforts but also the attention of leaders at all levels, the coordination of various sectors and the support of the whole society. It is the continuity between generations that forms the foundation for Dong Thap sports to continue developing sustainably in the future.

By Cao Thang
Translated by X.QUANG