Vietnam’s Public Security Sports Teams Aim for Success in 2026

As the Lunar Fresh Year of the Year of the Horse begins, Vietnam’s People’s Public Security sports sector is looking ahead to a busy and ambitious 2026, building on the successes of 2025. The sector’s teams participated in 98 national and international competitions in 2025, securing a total of 752 medals – 279 gold, 207 silver, and 266 bronze.

Broad Participation in 2025

Beyond high-performance sports, the People’s Public Safety Sports Team engaged in events such as the World Police and Fire Games in the United States, the 2025 Olympic Race, the “Following in Uncle Ho’s Footsteps – For National Security” marathon, and a Professional Training Course in Applied Martial Arts.

Key Tournaments on the Horizon for 2026

The People’s Police sports team will primarily focus on the Asian Games (ASIAD) and the 2026 National Sports Games. Disciplines where the team has traditionally excelled – shooting, athletics, karate, vovinam, rowing, and sports dance – will remain key priorities.

Success at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games

The 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) proved a significant milestone, with the People’s Police Sports Team winning 11 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze medals. Notable performances came from Trinh Thu Vinh (shooting), Nguyen Ngoc Tram (karate), and footballers Pham Ly Duc, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Nguyen Hieu Minh, and Nguyen Dinh Bac.

Preparations for the National Sports Games

The final round of the Sports Festival, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Traditional Force Day of the People’s Public Security Personnel, brought together over 600 athletes from 17 sports delegations, competing in 12 events across 4 sports. The Political Affairs Department of the Ministry of Public Security has also held a working session with Da Nang City Police to prepare for hosting the final round of the 2026 People’s Police Military, Martial Arts and Sports Games, scheduled for July 1-10, 2026, marking a key event leading up to the 10th National Sports Games.

Ambitions at the 10th National Sports Games

The People’s Police Sports Association aims to improve upon its tenth-place finish at the IX National Sports Games. Featured disciplines will span Olympic, ASIAD, and Southeast Asian Games categories. Potential gold medal contenders include rowing, football, shooting, table tennis, and martial arts like judo, taekwondo, karate, and jiu-jitsu. Disciplines with strong medal potential at the SEA Games include pencak silat, muay Thai, kickboxing, dance sports, and pickleball.

ASIAD 2026: Key Athletes and Goals

Shooter Trinh Thu Vinh is expected to lead the charge at the Asian Games, aiming for a medal, with a realistic target of at least a silver. Karate athlete Nguyen Ngoc Tram and her women’s kata team will focus on defending their gold medal from the Hangzhou Asian Games, facing strong competition from host nation Japan.

Developing Football Talent

The Vietnamese under-21 team will participate in the 2026 Asian Games, with a squad composed of players born in 2005 or later, many of whom are currently with the Popular Police Sports Center and clubs, including Pham Huy Hoang, Le Thang Long, Nguyen Gia Bao, Nguyen Bao Long, and Thai Ba Dat. The People’s Police football team hopes these emerging talents will build on the successes of players like Xuan Bac, Dinh Bac, Hieu Minh, and Ly Duc.

Increased Police Presence in V.League

In 2026, three People’s Police teams – Hanoi Police, PVF-CAND, and Ho Chi Minh City Police – will compete in the V.League, marking the first time in over 20 years that police football has been represented at this level with three teams. Hanoi Police currently leads the V.League standings and aims to return to the AFC Champions League and Southeast Asian Club Championship. Ho Chi Minh City Police is focused on building a competitive squad capable of finishing in the top 5, whereas PVF-CAND is developing young players to represent the sports image of the Popular Police.