Hanoi, 19 February 2026 – In Vietnam, the narrative surrounding the “village pond” of the SEA Games versus the international stage is always a hot topic. Following every Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), Vietnam consistently ranks among the top of the medal tally. However, behind those impressive figures lies a haunting reality: Why do we “reign supreme” in the region but frequently lose steam when venturing into the vast oceans of the ASIAD or the Olympics?
In a recent discussion, Mr. Tran Duc Phan—former Deputy Director General of the General Sports Administration—frankly stated: Achievement at the SEA Games does not yet accurately reflect our actual capacity at continental and world-class arenas. This is not just a professional observation; it is a wake-up call regarding the long-term development strategy of national sports.
The Trap named “Village Pond”
The primary reason lies in the structure of the competition events. The SEA Games is essentially a regional festival aimed at strengthening solidarity, where host nations have the right to include many local sports or specific strengths to compete for medals. Racing for medal counts here inadvertently causes resources to be scattered. We might win dozens of gold medals in traditional martial arts or events not included in the Olympic system, yet find ourselves empty-handed in fundamental sports like swimming, athletics, or gymnastics when stepping onto the world stage.
According to Mr. Phan, the gap in level between the SEA Games and the ASIAD is massive, and moving from the ASIAD to the Olympics is an entirely different story. At the Olympics, athletes do not just face regional rivals but world-class “prodigies” backed by superior nutrition, training regimes, and supportive technology.
A need for a “Major Surgery” in mindset
To escape this cycle, Vietnamese sports need a focused and streamlined investment roadmap. Instead of spreading resources thin across dozens of sports just for short-term achievements, we must clearly identify “spearhead” sports that suit the Vietnamese physique and have the potential to compete for medals globally.
Shifting the mindset from “SEA Games as the destination” to “SEA Games as a stepping stone” requires courage from managers. This means being willing to accept a potential drop from the regional top rankings in the short term to focus maximum efforts on outstanding individuals in Olympic events.
Mr. Tran Duc Phan’s insights once again confirm: SEA Games medals are a great source of pride, but they should not be the sole measure of success. It is time for Vietnamese sports to have a broader vision, ensuring that our athletes’ strides do not just stop within Southeast Asia but truly create milestones on the global sports map.
VSN/RPT
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