China, 28 January 2026 – Nguyen Thi Oanh is the standout name in Vietnam’s athletics squad selected for the 2026 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, drawing the most attention ahead of the team’s first international competition of the year.
Speaking about the preparations, Nguyen Manh Hung, Deputy Head of High Performance Sports Department (Vietnam Sports Administration) and General Secretary of the Vietnam Athletics Federation, confirmed that Vietnam has registered several athletes for the tournament. He emphasized that this event marks the national team’s first overseas competition of 2026, and the coaching staff are hoping for a positive start to the season. Nguyen Thi Oanh is among the key athletes trusted to compete.
According to the coaching staff, team members are currently training with stable mentality as this phase belongs to the opening cycle of their annual preparation plan, focusing primarily on building physical endurance and fitness.
With extensive experience at the Asian Indoor level, Nguyen Thi Oanh remains one of Vietnam’s most seasoned competitors. She won two bronze medals in the 1,500m and 3,000m at the 2018 edition. In 2023, she achieved a major breakthrough by claiming gold in the 1,500m at the championships held in Kazakhstan. The Vietnam team skipped the 2024 event to prioritize other key missions, but they return in 2026 with renewed medal ambitions as the tournament will take place in China from February 6 to 8. Oanh has been officially entered for both the 1,500m and 3,000m.
At SEA Games 33 in Thailand, Nguyen Thi Oanh once again confirmed her dominance by winning three gold medals and maintaining her status as Vietnam’s top athlete in the 5,000m, 10,000m, and 3,000m steeplechase. However, experts have noted that her winning times at the Games were not yet at her absolute peak. Her results included 16:27.13 in the 5,000m, 34:27.93 in the 10,000m, and 10:13.74 in the steeplechase. At her best, she has recorded far stronger marks: 15:46.11 in the 5,000m, 33:13.23 in the 10,000m, and 9:43.83 in the 3,000m steeplechase — all national records.
The year 2026 is considered crucial for Nguyen Thi Oanh as she targets major events such as ASIAD 20 and the 2026 National Sports Games. Her long-term goal is not only to improve her performance levels but also to be fully prepared for the Asian Games in Japan, where she hopes to contend for a medal. She previously won bronze in the 3,000m steeplechase at ASIAD 18.
Now 30 years old, Nguyen Thi Oanh continues to be praised for her professionalism, discipline, and relentless commitment. While age presents growing physical challenges, she remains determined to push her limits and meet the demands of elite competition.
The Asian Indoor Championships in Tianjin are viewed as an important stepping stone in her 2026 campaign, helping her build momentum toward her biggest objectives of the year.
The 2026 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships will be held in Tianjin, China, from February 6 to 8, featuring a wide range of events across sprints, middle-distance, jumps, throws, relays, and combined disciplines for both men and women.
Manh Lam
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