The team will field seven players in Xiangqi (Chinese chess) and seven in chess, as coaches seek to capitalize on additional team and mixed doubles events while preparing younger athletes for the competition.
Xiangqi will take place from November 20 to 29 in Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, featuring 10 medal events.
Chess will follow at the same venue from November 30 to December 11, with 20 medal events, while go (weiqi) will run from December 3 to 10, featuring four events.
Nguyen Hoang Chinh, head coach of the Gia Lai chess team, said the expanded programme had significantly improved the team's medal prospects compared with the previous Games, when only individual competitions were held.
At that time, the team's results depended largely on individual performances, making medal wins difficult amid strong competition.
The introduction of team and mixed doubles events in xiangqi has now given coaches greater flexibility in selecting athletes and building competitive lineups.
Young players strengthen Gia Lai's Xiangqi squad
In the women's xiangqi category, emerging players Tran Thi Bich Hang, Truong Ai Tuyet Nhi and Vuong Tieu Nhi will compete alongside experienced player Ho Thi Thanh Hong.
Their recent progress at national tournaments has strengthened the coaching staff's confidence in their ability to contribute to the team's medal campaign.
In the photo: Athlete Bui Thanh Tung trains in preparation for the Games. Photo: K.V
The men's xiangqi competition is expected to be particularly demanding, although national masters Nguyen Van Toi and Bui Thanh Tung remain potential contenders capable of producing unexpected results.
In chess, younger players are still developing their skills and experience compared with senior teammates. Nevertheless, coaches have included them in the squad to prepare for future competitions and facilitate a gradual generational transition.
The team includes established players Nguyen Thi Thuy Trien, Tran Thi Nhu Y, Le La Tra My and Ngo Thi My Duyen, alongside newcomer Nguyen Phuong Nghi, who will make her debut at the National Sports Games.
Phuong Nghi said the support and guidance of coaches and senior teammates had helped her improve and build confidence ahead of the competition.
Stronger rivals following administrative restructuring
The 2026 National Sports Games are being held following administrative reorganizations that have reshaped sports teams across the country.
In chess, several localities have consolidated athletes from previously separate provinces into new delegations.
Ho Chi Minh City now brings together players from Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau; Can Tho combines athletes from Can Tho, Hau Giang and Soc Trang; Bac Ninh incorporates Bac Giang; and An Giang includes Kien Giang.
These changes have created additional challenges for coaching teams as they select athletes, identify their strongest events and establish medal targets.
Ho Chi Minh City remains one of the leading contenders in xiangqi and a major rival to Gia Lai. Its lineup includes prominent players Nguyen Minh Nhat Quang and Dao Quoc Hung.
The women's squad is also strong, featuring Dam Thi Thuy Dung, Cao Phuong Thanh and Nguyen Hoang Yen. Lai Ly Huynh, who previously represented Binh Duong, has also joined the Ho Chi Minh City team.
Gia Lai enters final preparations
Despite facing formidable opponents, Gia Lai remains determined to achieve its target of one gold and one bronze medal.
The team plans to hold a training camp in Da Nang for seven to 10 days before moving to Ho Chi Minh City for another 10 days of training and practice matches ahead of the competition.
Coach Nguyen Hoang Chinh said the coaching staff had assessed each athlete's abilities and strengths to assign them to the most suitable events, prioritizing those with medal potential and key roles in the team.
Selection decisions also take into account athletes' current form, psychological resilience and ability to maintain consistent performance, he said.
The final preparation phase is expected to focus on maximizing individual strengths and improving the team's overall chances of achieving its medal ambitions.
