Vietnamese martial arts masters lead training at South Asia camp in India

Gia Lai province has approved an expansive plan to restructure and modernize its elite sports system for the 2026-2030 period, aiming to overcome persistent shortcomings in athlete development, facilities, and funding. 

Gia Lai’s athletics team has signalled a strong return to national contention after the administrative merger, winning two gold medals and one bronze at the 2026 National Mountain Marathon “Conquering Ba Ra Peak” and finishing second overall, behind the Military team.

Gia Lai Province has outlined an ambitious plan to strengthen and expand its traditional martial arts movement, following the first congress of the Gia Lai Traditional Martial Arts Federation for the 2026–2030 term held on January 17 at the Provincial Convention Center.

Gia Lai Province hosted its first pickleball tournament for banking sector officials and employees on January 18, drawing nearly 70 participants to the High Five Pickleball court in Pleiku Ward.

U23 Vietnam defeated U23 Kyrgyzstan 2-1 in their second group-stage match at the AFC U23 Asian Cup, strengthening their grip on a quarterfinal place after back-to-back victories.

Đào Hà Tâm Du, a young boxer from Gia Lai province, has established himself as one of Vietnam’s most promising youth athletes after winning four consecutive gold medals at national youth boxing championships, underscoring his consistency, competitive edge and long-term potential.

Among the members of the Vietnam U23 national team participating in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup Finals, set to take place in Saudi Arabia, Dinh Hong Vinh serves as the chief assistant to head coach Kim Sang Sik, He is also the President of Quy Nhon United Football Club.

Phạm Thị Hồng Lệ of Gia Lai claimed the women’s 42km title at the Ho Chi Minh City Marathon 2026 on the morning of January 11, finishing in 2 hours, 46 minutes and 19 seconds. The men’s marathon crown went to Huỳnh Anh Khôi of Ho Chi Minh City.

Young chess player Hoàng Tấn Vinh from Gia Lai has received a Certificate of Merit from Viet Nam’s Ministry of National Defence in recognition of his outstanding achievements at international competitions, including medals at the World Youth Chess Championship.

More than 1,300 people took part in the APC Green Color Run 2025 on the morning of December 27, an event organised by Asia Pacific International School Gia Lai to promote environmental protection and community health.

A community-based taekwondo club in Vietnam’s Central Highlands has grown into a key talent pipeline for provincial and national teams, combining grassroots training with elite athlete development.

Chi Lăng High School in Hoi Phu Ward, Gia Lai Province, has emerged as a standout example of a strong school sports movement, with football at its core attracting wide student participation and delivering consistent competitive success.

Recently, three coaches from Gia Lai successfully completed the Pro/AFC/VFF 2024/25 professional football coaching course. This is the highest-level coaching program within the training system of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF).

Vietnam’s national football team has recorded the world’s biggest improvement in FIFA’s December 2025 rankings, rising three places to 107th following its recent Asian Cup qualifying victory.

Making a significant contribution to U22 Vietnam's victory in men's football at the 33rd SEA Games, head coach Kim Sang-sik was awarded a medal crafted from 33 taels of 24K gold.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien has been named among the Top Five finalists for the 2025 Vietnam Golden Ball, the award’s organizing committee announced on December 23.

Grassroots martial arts clubs across Gia Lai province are intensifying exchange activities and friendly competitions to help young fighters gain practical experience, identify emerging talent and sustain the local combat sports movement.

Former players from Gia Lai Football Club joined about 150 retired footballers nationwide at the 9th Vietnam Former Footballers Festival, held on December 20 at Binh Phuoc Stadium.

More than 300 athletes from 18 teams took part in the opening of the first Ayun Pa Ward Sports Festival 2025 on the morning of December 16 at the ward stadium in Gia Lai province, marking a major local sporting event aimed at promoting unity and grassroots sports.

U22 Vietnam struck twice in the closing minutes to defeat U22 Philippines 2-0 in the men’s football semi-final at the 33rd SEA Games, becoming the first team to secure a place in the final at Rajamangala Stadium.

Nguyễn Thị Loan, a taekwondo athlete from Vietnam’s Gia Lai province, won a silver medal in the women’s 53kg category at the 33rd SEA Games on December 12, marking a notable achievement for Vietnamese sport.

Vietnam’s U22 secured first place in Group B at the 33rd SEA Games after a decisive 2–0 victory over Malaysia U22, easing concerns raised by their earlier unconvincing performance and strengthening their prospects for the semifinals.

Vietnam’s taekwondo team added to its medal tally on December 11 as Nguyễn Thị Mai of Gia Lai secured a bronze medal in the women’s 46 kg division at the 33rd SEA Games.

Nearly 1,000 students across Gia Lai province participated in the Uprace 2025 charity running event, launched on the morning of 9 December at Quy Nhon College of Engineering and Technology.