The direct race with Thailand
In recent years, Vietnam's athletics has repeatedly created a clear advantage in the competition for the No. 1 position in Southeast Asia. At the 29th SEA Games, the team won 17 gold medals, nearly double that of Thailand.
At the 30th SEA Games, Vietnam maintained its leading position with 16 gold medals, while Thailand ranked second with 12 gold medals. The 31st SEA Games continues to witness a strong breakthrough when Vietnam's athletics won 22 gold medals, Thailand only had 12.
However, at the 32nd SEA Games (2023), Thailand took the lead with 16 gold medals., Vietnam only won 12 gold medals and lost the No. 1 position after 3 consecutive editions.
This shows that the competition between the two leading athletics regions is increasingly balanced, while posing a big challenge for Vietnam in the journey at the 33rd SEA Games.
Evaluating the upcoming race, Dr. Duong Duc Thuy - Former Head of the Vietnam Athletics Department said: "I predict this will be a fierce competition. The 33rd SEA Games will be held right in Thailand, so the host country wants to affirm its superior position, aiming for at least 16-22 gold medals. Thailand has always been a sports powerhouse in Southeast Asia in general and athletics in particular".
Mr. Thuy emphasized: "The target of 12 gold medals is suitable for Vietnamese athletics. According to my prediction, at the 33rd SEA Games, any country that has won 16-17 gold medals or more will take the lead. In the general task, Vietnam strives for 12-14 gold medals, likely to win the same number of gold medals as the previous period.
But I hope this year we will surpass that number. However, this depends on other countries. If Malaysia, Indonesia or the Philippines also strive, it will create difficulties for Vietnam and Thailand.
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Regarding the events that are likely to win medals, Dr. Duong Duc Thuy commented: For a long time, we have been used to the fact that the groups of women's events won more gold medals, and the men's events only won about 4-5 gold medals.
In particular, some groups of strong physical events such as hammer throwing, weightlifting, and spear throwing have improved in the recent 3-4 SEA Games.
Our strengths still lie in the 400m, 400m hurdles, 800m, 1500m, 5,000m, 10,000m, 3000m hurdles (women), women's 4x400m, men's and women's 4x400m relay.
One of the outstanding athletes of Vietnam's athletics is Nguyen Thi Oanh. Two years ago, the runner born in 1995 won all 4 gold medals in 100% of the events including 1,500m, 5,000m, 10,000m and 3,000m obstacle course.
Nguyen Thi Oanh won 4 gold medals at the previous SEA Games. This year, Oanh registered to participate in 3 events, possibly 1 of these 3 events will focus on breaking the record. Up to now, Oanh is still full of energy, said the former Head of the Athletics Department.
In addition, Mr. Thuy said: Since 2010, the women's 4x400m event has been focused on professional investment because it recognizes the ability to meet Olympic standards and compete for achievements in Asia. The chance to win the women's 4x400m medal at the 33rd SEA Games is almost certain".
Forecasting the number of medals, Mr. Duong Duc Thuy commented: Through discussions with team/group coaches, I personally assess that if the athlete spirit is good with tactical guidance and reasonable thinking, we can easily achieve 14 gold medals.
I really hope that young athletes can demonstrate their abilities, accompany their seniors, so that in a moment of beauty, they can reach the first milestone in their careers.
Regarding potential faces, he said: There is a male face expected to be Ta Ngoc Tuong (400m). In addition to breaking Quach Cong Lich's national record for the first time, with that achievement, if he does well at the SEA Games, he can completely win a gold medal.
We also have 2 potential athletes for men's long jump and men's 3-step dance. The women's 800m and 1,500m runners who won Asian gold medals are also likely to be crowned at the 33rd SEA Games. The women's high jump group has 2 athletes in their professional category (1m85, 1m87...) who can compete for gold medals".
The 33rd SEA Games is expected to be an event that will create great pressure for Vietnam's athletics, especially when Thailand sets a target of 1622 gold medals and has the home field advantage. However, with the women's event group still maintaining stability and many young faces capable of breaking through, the Vietnam team has the basis to complete the goal and continue to compete directly for the leading position with Thailand.
