Overcoming challenges to enhance sports achievements

BHG - In recent years, the northern province of Ha Giang has made significant efforts to improve the quality of its athletes to align with the national sports landscape.

The Provincial Centre for Sports Training and Competition serves as the hub for training 124 athletes across various disciplines, such as Pencak Silat, Wushu, Vovinam, Muay Thai, and women’s handball. To achieve better results, the centre has adopted innovative training methods, partnered with high-performing institutions, and sent athletes to provinces like Bac Ninh, Thanh Hoa, and Thai Nguyen for training to gain competitive experience.

Wushu athlete Ban Thi Tam is diligently training.

In 2024, the centre participated in 20 high-performance sports competitions, winning 54 medals, including 6 Gold, 10 Silver, and 38 Bronze medals. The centre boasts 44 nationally ranked athletes, 18 elite athletes, and four athletes currently training with national teams.

However, Ha Giang’s sports sector still faces numerous challenges, including limited socio-economic conditions and an underdeveloped sports movement. Recruiting talented athletes is difficult due to limited resources, and practice time is reduced because athletes also need to meet academic requirements. Additionally, the benefits and support for athletes remain lower compared to other provinces, making it challenging to sustain motivation and improve performance.

Coaches provide professional guidance, acting as mentors and supporting athletes in their daily lives and studies. They work closely with families and schools to manage, discipline, and instil a spirit of determination in their athletes. Despite this, inadequate funding and insufficient facilities remain significant obstacles to improving training quality.

With determination, the coaches and athletes at the Provincial Centre for Sports Training and Competition have overcome these challenges to achieve impressive results. Ha Giang has contributed many athletes to national teams, including those who have earned elite status at the world level, as well as World Bronze and Asian Silver medals. In the future, the centre will focus on selecting and heavily investing in outstanding athletes while mobilising social resources to improve athlete benefits and facilities. The goal is to gradually enhance the quality of athletes and the achievements of Ha Giang’s sports sector.

HUY BA