In particular, the resounding victory with 10 gold, 3 silver, and 6 bronze medals across three major consecutive tournaments held in Thailand from June 9-15 (Asian Junior, U23, and Southeast Asian Canoeing Championships) is not only clear proof of the athletes' talent and extraordinary efforts but also a strong affirmation of a scientific investment and training strategy, along with the correct vision from the Federation, the Sports Department, and the coaching staff.
Vietnamese Canoeing Consistently Affirms Its Position in the Region and on the Continent
From Southeast Asia to a Competitive Position on the Continent
Vietnamese Canoeing has continuously made its mark on international arenas, gradually elevating its position. At the 32nd SEA Games in 2023 in Cambodia, the national team asserted its absolute leading position in the region with an impressive record: 9 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals. This not only maintained their performance but also showed a significant superiority over regional rivals.
The real leap forward was demonstrated at Asian-level tournaments. At the 2023 Asian Canoe Racing Championships held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the Vietnamese delegation excellently secured 3 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals. Names like Truong Thi Phuong (Women's C1 200m), Nguyen Thi Huong (Women's C1 500m), and the duo Truong Thi Phuong/Nguyen Thi Huong (Women's C2 500m) affirmed the position of Vietnamese female paddlers among the continent's top, significantly narrowing the gap with canoeing powerhouses such as China, Japan, and Uzbekistan.
Especially, the brilliant series of achievements in Thailand from June 9-15, 2025, further highlights this success story. With a total of 10 gold medals, including 3 gold from the Southeast Asian Championship (thanks to Pham Hong Quan in C1 500m, the duo Nguyen Thi Huong – Diep Thi Huong in C2 500m, and the duo Ma Thi Thuy – Nguyen Thi Huong in women's C2 200m), along with many other valuable medals from the Asian Junior and U23 Championships, Vietnamese canoeing has shown its ability to maintain peak performance, even when competing consecutively in three major tournaments in the same week. Facing strong opponents like Thailand and Indonesia while maintaining competitive composure is clear evidence of thorough preparation in terms of expertise, physical condition, and spirit.
These achievements of Vietnamese canoeing are not accidental, but the result of a long-term process, built on the foundation of extraordinary individual effort and systematic strategic investment. Athletes have undergone demanding and rigorous training regimens under difficult weather conditions, pushing physical limits to adapt to high intensity and maintain excellent fitness. Not only do they perfect their paddling techniques and ability to read the water, but athletes also have to forge strong competitive spirit under immense pressure. Diet, rest, and recovery are also strictly controlled to ensure the best physical condition, helping them always perform at their peak.
Along with the athletes' efforts is synchronous investment and strategic vision. The selection and training of young talents have been accelerated, ensuring a quality succession. Remarkably, the young generation of athletes is making remarkable progress, ready to inherit from their predecessors. Names like Diep Thi Huong, Nguyen Hong Thai, Ma Thi Thuy, Phung Ngoc Diem, Mac Thi Thanh Thuy, Ma Thi Dieu Ngoc, and Tran Thi Quynh have performed excellently. In particular, the women's quadruple sculls team with Hoang Thi Huong, Bui Mai Hanh, Hoang Thi Lam, and Nguyen Thi Mai made history by winning a silver medal for the first time at the Asian U23 Championship. This is an extremely positive sign, indicating a bright and sustainable future for Vietnamese canoeing.
The successes of Vietnamese canoeing, especially the recent resounding gold medal streak in Thailand, are not only a source of pride for the country's sports but also an affirmation of the immense potential of this sport. With the right investment orientation, a clear strategy, and resilient competitive spirit, Vietnamese canoeing is embarking on a promising development path, aiming for higher goals at the 33rd SEA Games (Thailand), Asian Games, and further at the Olympics, where we can anticipate valuable medals.
Ha Phuong