Deputy Director of the Sports Authority of Viet Nam (SAV) Le Thi Hoang Yen was among about 80 participants attending the 20th Asia/Oceania Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sports on June 18-19 in Dubai.
They were senior government officials and representatives of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), along with delegates from sports and anti-doping organisations.
The event, under the patronage of the WADA, was jointly held by the National Anti-Doping Agency in cooperation with the Ministry of Sports of the hosts.
The goal was to enhance regional cooperation and exchange experiences and best practices in the field of safeguarding sports integrity.
At the event, delegates reiterated the need for governments to take an active role in the development and implementation of the upcoming World Anti-Doping Code, as well as in the strengthening of international standards in support of clean sport.
They discussed challenges and opportunities and affirmed their shared commitment to the fight against doping, which was increasingly complicated and required close international cooperation.
The meeting included many key issues, demonstrating the common interest and responsibility of countries towards anti-doping work.
The organisers first updated the implementation of the Tashkent Resolution 2024 to delegates before held discussions focusing on mobilizing and coordinating financial contributions from member governments to WADA.
It was an important resource for WADA to maintain and expand its global anti-doping monitoring, researches, education and investigation activities.
They spent time working on the election preparation of the WADA Executive Board members for the Asia region, term 2026-2028, ensuring that the region’s weighty voice and interests
In addition, delegates analyzed current challenges in anti-doping works, including the sophistication of new doping methods and barriers to enforcement, and sought solutions to improve the effectiveness of anti-doping education programs.
They also shared new opportunities to fight doping using technology and multilateral cooperation. Along with that, delegate tried to promote ASEAN and WADA partnerships and cooperation.
Viet Nam’s active role and strong commitment
Addressing at the meeting, SAV Deputy Director Le Thi Hoang Yen said Viet Nam completed the development of a Circular on anti-doping in sports in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code in 2024.
The country also cooperated with the China Anti-Doping Agency and other national anti-doping bodies to effectively fight against doping in sports.
In addition, Viet Nam actively conducted doping tests according to recommendations (including blood and urine tests at any time, with no advance notice, in- or out-of-competition) and cooperated with world federations on doping testing at international championships held in Viet Nam.
Deputy Director Yen also shared information about Viet Nam hosting the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS-80) and Related Meetings in October.
Accordingly, within the framework of the meeting, WADA and ASEAN will adopt a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation to enhance WADA's support for Southeast Asian sports.
Also at the Dubai meeting, Deputy Director Yen chose the option of "reaffirming our commitment to fulfilling the essential role of each government in supporting and co-sponsoring WADA according to the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport " as Viet Nam’s opinion on the draft common stance of the Asian region.
Deputy Director Yen’s presence and her report in Dubai not only demonstrated Viet Nam's active role in international sports forums but also emphasized the Vietnamese Government's unwavering commitment to combating doping and building a strong foundation for fair and clean sports.
In the context of modern sports, the fight against doping is not only the responsibility of sports organizations but also requires strong participation of all levels of governments.
Viet Nam's participation and contribution to the discussions at the 20th Intergovernmental Ministerial Conference for Asia/Oceania on Anti-Doping in Sports clearly showed Viet Nam’s responsibility as a proactive member of the international sports community.
With an ultimate goal of protecting athletes’ health and career while preserving the values of fairness and honesty in sports, Viet Nam pledged to continue to work closely with WADA and countries in the region to build a clean sports environment where true talent is honored.
Thanh Ha