Vietnam’s national shooting team is riding a wave of confidence after a stellar performance at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Cup 2025 in Bangkok, where they clinched three gold medals, three silvers, and five bronzes. Finishing fourth in the medal table, the team’s achievements have set a promising tone for a packed calendar of international events this year, including the SEA Games, Asian Championships, and World Championships. With their sights now set on long-term goals like the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Olympics, Vietnam’s marksmen are emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the region.
A Golden Start to the Year
The Asian Rifle/Pistol Cup, held in February 2025, marked a historic moment for Vietnam’s shooting contingent. The men’s team secured a groundbreaking gold in the 25m rapid pistol event—the first time the country has triumphed in this category. Meanwhile, the dynamic duo of Phạm Quang Huy and Trịnh Thu Vinh defended their title in the mixed pairs 10m air pistol, securing a second consecutive win. Vinh also contributed to a bronze in the women’s team 25m sport pistol event, showcasing the depth of talent within the squad.
Key athletes like Huy, Vinh, Hà Minh Thành, and Phan Công Minh demonstrated not only technical prowess but also mental fortitude, a critical asset in a sport where psychological pressure often decides the outcome. “This tournament helped me gain a lot of experience to improve myself. Shooters often face psychological problems during competitions, and the difference is that good athletes know how to control their psychology better,” Vinh told Vietnam News on 27 February 2025. Her words reflect a growing maturity among Vietnam’s shooters, many of whom are now prioritising mental conditioning alongside physical training. 
National coach Trần Quốc Cường praised his team’s dedication, noting that their rigorous preparation—even during the Lunar New Year holiday—paid off in Bangkok. “After the 2025 Lunar New Year celebration, the whole team quickly returned to work and were involved in serious training, and their performances reflected this,” Cường said. He singled out Huy and Vinh for their consistency, describing their achievements as “beyond themselves.”
A Packed 2025 Calendar
With little time to rest on their laurels, Vietnam’s shooters are already gearing up for a series of high-stakes competitions. The 33rd SEA Games, scheduled for December in Thailand, looms large as a key target, alongside the Asian Championships in Kazakhstan in August and the World Championships in Egypt in November. According to Cường, these events are not only opportunities to secure medals but also crucial qualifiers for future Olympic berths. “This year, there are some events that provide points for athletes for the Olympics. We will focus on three tournaments,” he explained.
The SEA Games, in particular, will serve as a litmus test for Vietnam’s shooters, who will face stiff competition from regional powerhouses like Thailand and the Philippines. Success here could further cement Vietnam’s reputation as a rising star in Southeast Asian sport, while also providing momentum for the longer-term goals of the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Olympics. Cường emphasised that 2025 is a “preparation year,” with shooting identified as one of Vietnam’s key medal prospects for these global events.
Building a Winning Formula
Behind the scenes, the Sports Authority of Vietnam is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to elevate the team’s performance. Athletes are currently training under the guidance of Mongolian coach Byambajavyn Altantsetseg, whose expertise is expected to refine their skills further. Plans are also in place to hire an additional international expert in the coming weeks, specifically to enhance the quality of the rifle shooters.
In a boost to their preparations, the team will host the South Korean national squad for a friendly competition in Hanoi. Such exchanges are invaluable, offering Vietnamese athletes exposure to different styles and strategies while fostering camaraderie with their regional counterparts. Local training camps, combined with these international engagements, are designed to ensure the team remains in peak condition throughout the year.
However, the road ahead is not without challenges. At the Asian Rifle/Pistol Cup, the absence of dominant teams like China and India, as well as the decision by some nations not to field their top athletes, may have influenced the final standings, as noted by the national coaching board. While Vietnam’s results were undeniably impressive, tougher tests await in events where the full strength of Asia’s shooting giants will be on display. If the team can maintain their current trajectory, though, they stand a strong chance of holding their own.
A Broader Vision for Vietnamese Sport
The success of the shooting team is emblematic of Vietnam’s broader ambitions in international sport. Over the past decade, the country has invested heavily in developing talent across disciplines, from football to athletics, with the aim of raising its profile on the global stage. Shooting, with its potential for multiple medal hauls at events like the Asian Games and Olympics, has emerged as a priority area for the Sports Authority of Vietnam.
Beyond medals, the achievements of athletes like Phạm Quang Huy and Trịnh Thu Vinh serve as an inspiration for younger generations. Their dedication—evident in their decision to train through holidays—and their ability to perform under pressure offer a blueprint for aspiring sportspeople across the country. As Vinh herself noted, mental strength is often the differentiator in high-level competition, a lesson that transcends shooting and applies to any field of endeavour.
The government’s support, including the recruitment of foreign coaches and the organisation of international friendlies, underscores a commitment to building a sustainable sporting ecosystem. If these efforts translate into further success at the SEA Games and beyond, they could pave the way for Vietnam to emerge as a serious contender in Asian and global sport over the next decade.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
As Vietnam’s shooting team prepares for the challenges of 2025, there is a palpable sense of optimism within the camp. The Asian Rifle/Pistol Cup has provided a springboard, proving that the team has the talent and determination to compete with the best. Coach Cường summed up the mood when he said, “The above achievements will be a strong motivation for the team. We hope the athletes will continue to maintain good form to advance to the next tournaments and successfully complete the set targets.”
For now, the focus is squarely on the SEA Games, Asian Championships, and World Championships, each of which offers a chance to build on the momentum from Bangkok. With a blend of seasoned performers like Huy and Vinh and a robust support system behind them, Vietnam’s shooters are well-positioned to make their mark. If they can navigate the psychological and technical demands of these upcoming events, 2025 could be a landmark year—one that sets the stage for even greater triumphs in the years to come.
