Hai Phong chess reaches new heights with global ambitions
Hai Phong's chess has enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2026 with 295 medals, demonstrating the success of its youth development strategy as it sets its sights on the international stage.
Behind the medal haul
The year 2026 has marked a remarkable milestone for sports in Hai Phong, with the port city's chess producing an outstanding medal haul in national competitions.
Hai Phong players had won a total of 295 medals from eight major tournaments in the chess and Go tournament system by the end of July. The tally of 56 gold, 84 silver, and 155 bronze medals reflects the team's outstanding strength and consistency.
Hai Phong's success has also extended beyond the domestic arena. Young player Le Hung Manh, representing Vietnam, won a complete set of gold, silver, and bronze medals at the 2026 Asian Youth Chess Championship in Shenzhen, China.
According to Tran Thi Bich Loan, head coach of the Chess Division at the Hai Phong Sports Training and Competition Center, these achievements were made possible thanks to the timely support and encouragement from the city leadership, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the center.
She also credited the athletes' dedication, the support of their families, and the commitment of the coaching staff, who continually exchange professional expertise to develop training methods tailored to different groups of athletes. This approach enables young players in particular to balance their academic studies with intensive sports training.
Youth training strategy
One of the key factors behind the depth of Hai Phong's chess is the strong development of school chess. In recent years, school tournaments and grassroots chess clubs have become an important talent identification system for discovering promising young players. The continuous transition from one generation to the next has ensured a steady pipeline of talented athletes.
The team's impressive results since the beginning of 2026 provide a solid foundation for its most important target, the 10th National Sports Games, where the country's strongest players will compete. Immediately after the national championships, the coaching staff began reviewing the roster and conducting detailed evaluations of each athlete's form.
In addition to improving technical and tactical skills, the team places special emphasis on mental preparation. Players are trained to handle decisive situations and maintain consistency throughout tournaments. A series of domestic and overseas training camps has further helped the athletes build confidence and reach peak competitive condition.
Looking ahead, Hai Phong's chess aims to strengthen its international standing by building on its SEA Games gold medal success and a talented squad that includes International Master Dao Minh Nhat.
PHAN ANH