Dong Nai’s sustainable sports development strategy and aspirations

After a year marked by fluctuations yet remarkable achievements, Dong Nai’s high-performance sports sector has set new milestones on both the national and international sporting maps.

At the 2025 National Ju-Jitsu Championship for Outstanding Athletes, Dong Nai’s Ju-Jitsu team claims the overall championship title. Photo: Huy Anh

From its medal haul at the 33rd SEA Games to its strong showing in key disciplines at domestic tournaments, Dong Nai is demonstrating agile management thinking and a strong aspiration to rise.

The “in-depth focus” strategy

The year 2025 posed significant challenges for the Dong Nai Provincial Sports Training and Competition Center, as it underwent a merger and organizational restructuring while still ensuring professional performance targets. Nevertheless, the results were highly noteworthy. At the 33rd SEA Games, Dong Nai athletes contributed eight medals of various colors to the overall achievements of the Vietnamese sports delegation. Notably, at the national level, the province achieved 258% of its medal target, securing a total of 968 medals of various colors.

Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Provincial Sports Training and Competition Center, said, "Amid the merger process, initial difficulties were unavoidable. However, discipline and a strong dedication helped athletes maintain stable performance. These results serve as a positive signal and motivation for Dong Nai sports to continue renewing itself and striving toward greater goals.”

Regarding the remarkable 258% achievement of the medal target, the leadership of the Dong Nai Provincial Sports Training and Competition Center explained that it stemmed from a well-structured training roadmap. Instead of spreading investment thinly, Dong Nai shifted toward a depth-focused training approach.

The combination of traditional strengths and emerging disciplines aligned with international trends has created a dynamic and diverse sporting profile. Hosting 11 national tournaments in the province over the past year was also a strategic step, enabling athletes to build confidence on home grounds while enhancing the province’s capacity to organize large-scale sporting events.

Retaining stars and nurturing young talent

One of the most pressing challenges in high-performance sports is retaining elite-level athletes while cultivating the next generation. Athletes such as Luong Duc Phuoc and Nguyen Thuy Linh are not only sources of pride but also role models for young talents. To sustain this appeal, Dong Nai goes beyond statutory remuneration policies. “For elite athletes, we pay special attention to advanced training conditions, injury rehabilitation, and particularly post-competition career orientation so they can dedicate themselves with peace of mind. Dong Nai is working toward a sustainable sports ecosystem where athletes are at the center, and coaches serve as the core force,” Nguyen Thi Thu Hien added.

Alongside caring for its star athletes, the province has continuously implemented the work “when bamboos grow old, young shoots spring up” from school-level competitions. Close coordination between the Dong Nai Provincial Sports Training and Competition Center and localities enables early detection of “hidden gems”, who are then placed into a centralized and systematic training program. Looking ahead, Dong Nai sports faces a significant challenge: the 10th National Sports Games. As host of four sports, including wushu, kickboxing, sailing, and the Cross-Country Ba Ra Peak event, the workload is substantial.

The Dong Nai Provincial Sports Training and Competition Center is urgently reviewing and upgrading facilities to meet national standards. Hosting the Games not only serves competitive purposes but also provides an opportunity to enhance the province’s sports infrastructure for effective long-term use after the event. Referees and professional staff are also undergoing thorough training to ensure fairness and the highest technical standards.

With targeted investment, close attention to human resources, and a scientific strategy, Dong Nai sports is confident it will conquer new heights and affirm its position as one of the country’s strongest sports centers.

By Bao Tram – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho