The initiative, which carries a total investment of about VND 6,082 billion (USD 243 million), sets a long-term vision toward 2045.
Under the plan, the province will allocate VND 1,098 billion (USD 44 million) from socialized sources to attract private participation and diversify financial inputs beyond the state budget. The project seeks to modernize training centers, upgrade equipment, and expand the use of sports science and medicine.
By 2030, Gia Lai aims to maintain a stable roster of 565–614 athletes and significantly increase the number of talented and youth athletes to ensure a sustainable pipeline.
The province targets at least 91 athletes per year to achieve national master status or higher, while at least 117 are expected to reach level 1. The plan also calls for expanding grassroots talent classes and establishing satellite sports centers across communes and wards.
Local officials acknowledge that despite recent achievements at national and international competitions, elite sports in Gia Lai still face gaps in infrastructure, specialized training conditions, physical recovery systems, and the availability of qualified coaches. The pool of next-generation athletes remains limited, and investment continues to rely heavily on public funding.
To address these constraints, the project shifts from broadly dispersed investment to a focused model prioritizing sports where the province has competitive advantages, particularly in major events such as the SEA Games, ASIAD, Olympics, and the National Sports Games.
Nguyễn Văn Ý, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the project offers “a strategic direction” with a practical roadmap for talent attraction, resource mobilization, and targeted investment.
At the Pleiku Center for Sports Training and Competition, Deputy Director Phan Văn Hường said the facility will train 160 athletes across three tiers, provincial, youth, and talent, compared to the previous two-tier system. Beginning in 2026, the center will create a talent team and develop satellite networks through martial arts schools and clubs to streamline athlete recruitment and nurture a continuous pipeline from grassroots to provincial teams.
Đỗ Vũ Vương, head coach of the taekwondo team and Deputy Head of the Training and Competition Department, said the center currently contributes two athletes to the national taekwondo team and one to the national youth squad. He noted that the new talent and satellite systems will enhance athlete selection and training quality, supporting long-term ambitions for participation in ASIAD and ultimately the Olympics.
Trần Duy Linh, Director of the Bình Định Traditional Martial Arts Center, said the plan provides stronger foundations for coaches and athletes to focus on training and performance. The center is preparing for the 10th National Sports Games in 2026 and aims to secure top results.
From the beginning of the year to November 15, 2025, the province’s elite sports teams participated in 121 regional, national, and international competitions. Specifically, the Provincial Center for Sports Training and Competition took part in 56 tournaments, winning a total of 368 medals (97 gold, 99 silver, and 172 bronze), exceeding the initial target by 223 medals.
The Bình Định Traditional Martial Arts Center participated in 10 national tournaments across three disciplines: traditional martial arts, wushu, and kickboxing. The center achieved 85 gold medals (exceeding the target by 37%), 61 silver medals (exceeding the target by 91%), and 72 bronze medals (exceeding the target by 57%).
The Pleiku Center for Sports Training and Competition participated in 42 regional and national tournaments, winning a total of 296 medals (53 gold, 80 silver, 163 bronze), surpassing the plan by 324%. In seven international tournaments, the center won 22 medals (10 gold, 6 silver, 6 bronze), exceeding the plan by 550%.