The relentless efforts of Son La athletics

Son La, with its mountainous terrain, is not a good place for athletics, which requires modern facilities. However, since 2010, the province has identified this as one of the key sports, suitable for the physique of ethnic minorities with high endurance and stamina.

Provincial team athletes practice. Photo: BSL

Up to now, this mountainous province has not only maintained a widespread movement in schools but also brought about commendable achievements.

One of the important foundations for the progress of Son La athletics is to develop the movement in schools. Every year, the province organizes the Traditional Student Athletics Tournament, attracting hundreds of students to participate. In 2025, the tournament will gather nearly 460 athletes from 49 units, creating a competitive environment and discovering new talents, typically names with high achievements at the SEA Games such as Lo Thi Hoang or Ca To Uyen. To achieve the current achievements, athletes must overcome many difficulties, from poor training conditions to injuries and pressure to achieve results. Athlete Ca To Uyen confided: "There were times when I was very tired and wanted to give up because of the high training intensity and great pressure. But being encouraged and motivated by the teachers, seeing the teachers and friends trying to practice regardless of sunny or rainy days, I felt like I was given more motivation."

In addition, the Provincial Sports Training and Competition Center plays an important role in specialization, providing coaches, training facilities and managing athletes participating in higher-level competitions. Thanks to specialized coaches and training programs, young athletes have access to scientific methods and improved their performance at national competitions. Currently, the provincial athletics team has 19 athletes (12 throwers, 7 middle-distance runners), most of whom come from remote areas, traveling hundreds of kilometers to practice at the center.

According to Mr. Ho Minh Son, Director of the Center, although there are many difficulties in terms of funding and facilities, with enthusiasm, the Board of Directors and all staff and coaches always strive to create conditions for athletes to develop their abilities. The breakthrough of athletes is the result of a long-term investment process and unceasing dedication. Recently, the province has applied technology to training, from performance measurement equipment to data analysis software, helping to optimize the training process despite limited facilities.

From school playgrounds to national youth competitions, Son La athletes have continuously left their mark. In 2024, athletics contributed 148 medals to provincial sports in 46 competitions, ranking 17th out of 63 at the National Phu Dong Sports Festival. At the 2025 Youth Athletics Championship in Lai Chau, the team won 10 medals (4 gold, 5 silver, 1 bronze), ranking 8th out of 65 overall, and breaking the U18 record in javelin throw and women's mixed relay.

These achievements have both affirmed the effective investment and inspired the younger generation. However, there are still many challenges when the infrastructure is limited compared to other provinces, the ability to sponsor and treat athletes is not high, and keeping excellent athletes in the top sport requires more support policies. To overcome these challenges, close coordination between the government, businesses and the community is needed to be able to break through in major arenas.

According to the Son La Province High Performance Sports Development Project 2021-2030, by 2025, the focus will be on consolidating key sports such as athletics, while in the 2026-2030 period, it will expand to 14 key sports. The province is committed to increasing funding, improving facilities and organizing international training for outstanding athletes, and preferential policies such as rewards and post-retirement employment support will help retain talent.

Dawn

Source: https://nhandan.vn/no-luc-khong-ngung-cua-dien-kinh-son-la-post913984.html