VietNamNet Bridge – The local media several days ago reported that the authorities of An Giang province have applied for the right to host the national sports games 2018, with a total cost of VND3.425 trillion ($176 million), higher than the estimated cost for hosting the Asian Games 2019. It is thrilling and unbelievable news.




Is it a joke? No, it is 100 percent true because Mr Nguyen Van Len, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of An Giang province, personally explained to the press that his province is always in the top 10 teams at the national sports games. The province has also contributed many players to the national teams and won many medals in national and international competitions. Meanwhile, its sports facilities are limited.

Hosting the national sports games 2018 will be a chance for An Giang to build sports facilities to serve the popular sports and develop elite sports.

Len also said that after the idea is approved by the People’s Council, the local government would work with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and then design the detailed plan to submit to the government.

It seems that Len was very confident about this plan.

Those who have kept a close eye on the country's sport activities for decades were surprised when recently Vietnam is allowed to host the Asian Games 2019, with a huge budget. And now, they should be stunned by An Giang’s proposal to organize a national sports games at the huge cost, which is even higher than the Asian Games.

Recently some experts have criticized Vietnam’s decision to host the Asian Games. Dr. Le Dang Doanh said that it would be foolish to not look at Greece, which went bankrupt after trying to win the right to host the 2004 Olympic Games.

The story is incredibly absurd. Who can believe that a national sports games needs such a huge fund and that idea was suggested in this sensitive moment of economic difficulty! And yet, those who designed this project that is full of humor were in a state of alertness?

Dai Doan Ket