Thanh Hoa Province Leverages Science for High-Achieving Sports Development

Thanh Hoa Province in central Vietnam is set to enhance its high-achieving sports sector with a renewed focus on scientific approaches, marking a strategic shift in the province's investment philosophy for sports development. The province's athletes have consistently brought honor to the nation and their homeland, solidifying Thanh Hoa's position among the country's leading sports regions. Yearly, Thanh Hoa's teams participate in 150 to 160 domestic and international tournaments, securing approximately 1,000 medals, with the number showing a steady increase. Notably, at the 2025 SEA Games, Thanh Hoa contributed three gold, two silver, and seven bronze medals. In the first six months of 2026, athletes from the province competed in 51 events, achieving 104 gold, 104 silver, and 142 bronze medals. Despite these successes, challenges persist, including athlete welfare, nutrition, and incentive policies. Supporting the 800 athletes at the Provincial Sports Training and Competition Center (a number expected to rise to 1,000) is a complex task given the province's limited local resources. Furthermore, increasing competition from other provinces, higher demands for sports science application, and the need to nurture future generations of athletes present significant hurdles requiring methodical investment and long-term strategy. In response, the Thanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee has issued Plan No. 15/KH-UBND, aimed at building a strong contingent for the 10th National Sports Games in 2026. This plan is viewed as a crucial catalyst for transforming the mindset and methods of sports investment in Thanh Hoa. The plan mandates stricter athlete selection criteria, based on practical scientific indicators and specific competition results from 2021 onwards. This rigorous review process will enable the province to identify and concentrate resources on truly exceptional "sharp points." Training regimens will integrate specialized sports science, moving away from traditional, experience-based methods. Cardiovascular, muscular, psychological, and nutritional metrics for each athlete will be closely monitored through training cycles. Additionally, sports facilities will undergo comprehensive upgrades, including modern training grounds, tracks, dormitory facilities, and kitchens. Complementing these efforts, the Provincial People's Council has adopted Resolution No. 03/2025/NQ-HĐND on incentive policies for coaches and athletes, aligning with Government Decree No. 152/2018/NĐ-CP and tailored to local realities, to retain talent and foster dedication. Dam Van Long, Director of the Provincial Sports Training and Competition Center, attributes Thanh Hoa's outstanding achievements in national, international, and SEA Games competitions to sound policy decisions. Plan No. 15/KH-UBND is expected to unify the direction for high-achieving sports development and lay a lasting foundation through strategic solutions in selection, training, coaching, facility investment, and policy refinement. Source: Nhan Dan