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Vinh Phuc denies owing athletes money

TB (according to VnExpress) January 23, 2025 14:43

The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vinh Phuc province confirmed that it did not owe bonuses and regular nutrition money as reflected by canoeing athlete Nguyen Thi Huong.

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Canoeing athlete Nguyen Thi Huong (middle)

In her application to quit training in the rowing department of Vinh Phuc province from December 31, 2024, Nguyen Thi Huong said she had not received medal bonuses from domestic competitions from 2022 to 2024, as well as nutritional support in 2024 from the locality.

However, in a new announcement released on the evening of January 22, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism (VHTT&DL) of Vinh Phuc province affirmed that the policy on the two above-mentioned amounts has expired or changed, so there is no basis for payment. The Department also clearly stated the decisions in chronological order in the explanatory document.

Accordingly, medal bonuses for domestic competitions will be paid in full from 2012 to 2021, when implementing Decision No. 16/2012/QD-UBND issued by Vinh Phuc Provincial People's Committee on June 11, 2012. However, this policy cannot continue from 2022 after the policy change.

On November 7, 2018, Decree No. 152/2018/ND-CP of the Government was issued on a number of policies for athletes and sports coaches during training and competition periods. Clause 8, Article 9 of the Decree does not assign the Provincial People's Committee to determine the level of medal awards but belongs to the People's Council. After 2021, the People's Council of Vinh Phuc province decided not to maintain the reward policy.

On November 7, 2023, the Department of Justice of Vinh Phuc also issued Document No. 2754/STP-XD&KTVBQPPL to abolish Decision No. 16/2012/QD-UBND.

With the regular nutrition regime, Vinh Phuc also paid in full from 2012 to the end of December 2023. This is based on two Resolutions, No. 64/2012/NQ-HDND issued in 2012 and No. 93/2019/NQ-HDND issued in 2019. However, this regime was abolished on August 3, 2021, when the Vinh Phuc Provincial People's Council issued Resolution No. 12/2021/NQ-HDND.

In a report sent to the Provincial People's Committee on December 23, 2024, the department said that policy changes caused Vinh Phuc's sports to fall behind. Specifically, Vinh Phuc dropped from 17th out of 65 provinces, cities, and sectors at the 2018 National Sports Festival to 27th in 2022.

In 2024 alone, the leaders of the Vinh Phuc Provincial Sports Training and Competition Center must work with department heads to borrow money to maintain the kitchen to ensure the training process. Therefore, the department proposed that the province support the 2024 nutrition program with about 12 billion VND, but it has not been approved by competent authorities.

In 2024, Vinh Phuc province had many personnel changes leading to difficulties in reviewing administrative procedures.

Các VĐV thi đấu ở nội dung toàn năng cung một dây nữ tại Giải vô địch bắn cung Quốc gia 2024, tại Trung tâm Văn hóa - Thông tin - Thể thao huyện Tam Đảo, Vĩnh Phúc. Ảnh: Kim Ly
Athletes compete in the women's all-around single-reed bow event at the 2024 National Archery Championship, at the Center for Culture - Information - Sports of Tam Dao district, Vinh Phuc

With no funding, the Provincial Sports Center was forced to announce a temporary suspension of regular training for sports teams, effective December 24, 2024, until it receives regular funding to support its troops. This affected not only Nguyen Thi Huong but also more than 200 coaches, professional athletes and youth teams of Vinh Phuc. Some asked to stop training and transferred to other units to maintain training and competition.

Vinh Phuc Sports is training and coaching 11 high-performance sports, including volleyball, pencak silat, karate, wushu, athletics, wrestling, cycling, archery, shooting, rowing, and tennis.

The Department considers that canoeist Nguyen Thi Huong’s resignation from training is very regrettable. The rower born in 2001 is currently the most prominent athlete of Vinh Phuc, having won many medals at the Asian, Southeast Asian and SEA Games championships. She is also the first Vietnamese canoeist to officially win a ticket to the Olympics, in Paris 2024.

The Vietnam Rowing Federation has sent a document to Vinh Phuc to request the acceptance of Nguyen Thi Huong. Huong is included in the list of athletes competing in tournaments on behalf of the federation and is guaranteed training and nutrition regimes.

In 2025, this athlete has two important international tournaments: the Asian Rowing Championship in China in April and the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand in December. She is also preparing for the 2026 ASIAD and the 2028 Olympics.

The Department said it is trying to resolve the difficulties. The Department continues to research and consult with the Provincial People's Committee to submit to the Provincial People's Council for consideration and promulgation of a specific policy on sports development for the period 2025-2030. In addition, the Department encourages athletes and coaches to overcome difficulties, maintain training and competition to ensure achievements.

TB (according to VnExpress)
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Vinh Phuc denies owing athletes money