Vietnamese sports leaders held an open and frank discussion on December 19 to evaluate the national team’s performance at the 33rd SEA Games - highlighting both achievements and areas needing improvement as the country sets its sights on upcoming competitions like the Asian Games (Asiad) and Olympics.

Nguyen Hong Minh, Deputy Director of the General Department of Sports and Physical Training and Head of the Vietnamese delegation at SEA Games 33, outlined three major goals that Vietnam accomplished at the event.

“First, we won medals in core Olympic disciplines. Second, we saw the emergence of many promising young athletes. And third, our athletes demonstrated determination, integrity, and sportsmanship. They showed respect to opponents, organizers, and the Vietnamese image itself, even under intense pressure,” Minh said.

Strong showing in football and other disciplines

Minh emphasized the exceptional performance of the football teams, which reached three finals and secured two gold medals. In particular, the U22 men’s team’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Thailand captured national attention.

“This success wasn’t only the result of football’s preparation, but a collective achievement across the entire Vietnamese delegation,” Minh added.

However, not all sports delivered the desired results. Minh pointed to challenges such as the high caliber of global-level athletes from other nations, including countries that fielded naturalized competitors and dominated certain disciplines.

He also raised concerns about the impartiality and competence of refereeing in some events. Still, Vietnam had standout moments - like historic runs in table tennis, volleyball, and the emotionally charged men’s football final, as well as victories in women’s karate and wrestling.

“If we continue with structured investments, capable coaching, and athletes giving their all, Vietnam has real potential on bigger stages like the Asiad,” Minh noted.

Adjustments needed for future success

Hoang Quoc Vinh, Deputy Head of the delegation, acknowledged several challenges: “SEA Games 33 removed many of Vietnam’s stronghold events. While our coaches made accurate forecasts, we couldn’t meet certain targets due to unavoidable shifts - like changes in competition venues and formats at the last minute.”

Despite this, Vietnam’s track and field team contributed 12 gold medals - a performance that underlines the country’s core strengths.

Looking ahead, Vinh said, “We’ll reevaluate Vietnam’s strengths and weaknesses, and especially focus on improving sports science, training conditions, and technology for our athletes. We’ll also reassess our expert and athlete pool as we prepare for Asiad 2026.”

A new generation rises

SEA Games 33 is being treated as a benchmark to assess Vietnam’s entire athletic ecosystem. Many standout performers were just 17–20 years old - particularly in athletics and swimming. While some only earned silver medals, their performances signal future medal potential at regional and continental competitions.

Marksman Trinh Thu Vinh, for example, is already being considered a serious medal contender for the next Asiad.

“We have not only achieved gold, but also gained priceless experience from silver medals won by our youngest athletes,” Vinh concluded.

Dai Nam