Nguyen Hong Minh, Deputy Director of the General Department of Sports and Physical Training and Head of the Vietnamese delegation to SEA Games 33, has shared insights into Vietnam’s preparations ahead of the competition.

“Although the host nation Thailand is facing many challenges, their efforts in organizing SEA Games 33 are remarkable. This deserves our recognition,” Minh stated.

“For that reason, the responsibility of each delegation - and especially ours - is to contribute to the overall success of the Games.”

Minh emphasized that athlete healthcare has been prioritized in Vietnam’s preparation plan. In addition to doctors assigned specifically to the national football team, the Vietnamese delegation includes 19 medical professionals from the Vietnam Sports Hospital and various national training centers.

This medical team is tasked with overseeing health management, injury recovery, and physical conditioning for Vietnamese athletes throughout the competition in Thailand.

“This is a demanding workload for our medical staff,” Minh admitted. “We hope the government will continue to support policies that improve working conditions for sports healthcare professionals. With better support, the field will develop further and allow us to catch up with professional standards in the region, moving toward major stages like the Asiad and Olympics.”

AI technology enters the game

Minh also revealed that several sports within the Vietnamese contingent are applying advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), in their strategic planning.

“Especially for football and several other sports, we are working with domestic tech firms to integrate AI into training programs. This includes using AI for match planning, tactical analysis, and real-time implementation,” Minh said.

He confirmed that this AI-based training will be gradually expanded to all Vietnamese teams during both training camps and actual competitions.

SEA Games 33 presents not only a competitive opportunity but also a chance for Vietnamese athletes to measure themselves against strong regional rivals like Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore.

“These encounters are invaluable,” Minh said. “They allow our athletes to improve their skills, learn from others, and ultimately close the gap with top-performing nations in Southeast Asia. This is part of our roadmap toward achieving better results at larger events such as the Asiad and the Olympic Games.”

Dai Nam