Table tennis team targets one SEA Games gold medal

SEA Games champion Nguyen Duc Tuan (left) will defend his title at the Cambodian Games in May. VNA/VNS Photo

Vietnam's table tennis team is hoping for at least one gold medal at the 32nd SEA Games, the same as what they achieved at the last Games.

According to Phan Anh Tuan, general secretary of the ​Vietnam Table Tennis Federation, the target was humble compared to what the team did in the past with golds in the men's team in the 29th Games in 2017, men's doubles in the 30th Games in 2019 and men's singles in the 31st Games in 2022.

However, it was not an easy task because while rivals in the region usually trained overseas, Vietnamese athletes stayed at home for three years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since early last month, the 19 strongest players have been summoned to train in Ha Noi to ensure their target. Among them are champion Nguyen Duc Tuan and bronze medallists Nguyen Anh Tu, Nguyen Thi Nga and Anh Hoang.

They will compete in all seven events for men's and women's singles, doubles, team and mixed doubles.

"We plan to send athletes to tournaments conducted by the international federation and intensive training courses abroad to sharpen their skills," said Tuan.

The first training camp will be in Guangzhou, China, from April 10 to May 1.

Former SEA Games champion Nguyen Anh Tu said: "The China training course will be a good opportunity for me and my teammates prior to the SEA Games. Currently, all of us are in good moods and condition. We feel comfortable and are motivated to head to Phnom Penh.

"It is important training for the team and Guangzhou is considered a suitable destination for Vietnamese players. They can not only improve their fitness but also lift their professionalism and competitive minds.

"The training is ahead of the SEA Games and we will adjust their preparation so that they will be at peak at the 32nd Games and for further tournaments including the 19th Asian Games."

However, Tuan said it would be better for his team when they have an international standard facility so that they would be actively implementing their training plans.

Meanwhile, President Nguyen Xuan Vu said the federation was working hard in terms of finding sponsors so athletes will receive more support and table tennis will strongly develop.

At the last Games in May in Ha Noi, Việt Nam grabbed one gold and four bronzes. The gold, by Hai Duong-born player Duc Tuan, was the first single's title after 19 years.

This year, the SEA Games will be organised from May 5 to 17 while table tennis is from May 9-16. Most sports are held in Phnom Penh. The rest is in Siem Reap, Preah Sihanouk, Kampot and Kep.

VNS