NINH BÌNH Following the merger of the provinces of Ninh Bình, Nam Định and Hà Nam, the newly enlarged Ninh Bình Province now benefits from expansive sport development opportunities, facilitating regional planning and the establishment of interconnected facilities.

Historically, the three localities have had strong sporting traditions. After their merger, Ninh Bình Province has emerged as one of the major sport centres in the country, poised for a phase of robust and sustainable development in the new era.

Before the merger, these provinces were already known for their athletic prowess. Nam Định was particularly recognised for its strengths in athletics, martial arts and football, with Nam Định Club winning the national football championship three times.

In Hà Nam, jujitsu, wrestling, tennis and athletics teams consistently achieved high results, bolstered by a thriving women's football scene led by the Phong Phú Hà Nam Club, which has produced many national team players and contributed to the success of the Vietnamese women's team in international competitions.

Ninh Bình also has a rich sports culture, with two volleyball teams (men's and women's) ranked among the top four in the country, alongside strong programmes in chess, athletics and karate.

Like Nam Định and Hà Nam, Ninh Bình has a deep love for football. The former Vissai Ninh Bình won the National Cup and the National Super Cup in 2013, becoming a source of national pride by reaching the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup in 2014.

Through various challenges, the spirit of Ninh Bình football has been reignited, thanks to the efforts of provincial leaders and sponsors like ThaiGroup and LPBank. With focused investments in brand development, team upgrades, facility improvements and youth training, Ninh Bình Club has secured a promotion to compete in the LPBank V.League 1 next season.

Today, Ninh Bình Province stands as a significant sport hub in the country, boasting a rich tradition and modern infrastructure. With advantages such as cultural and historical heritage, natural attractions, traditional festivals and unique tourism products, Ninh Bình is well positioned to develop elite sports while also serving as a venue for major events and promoting sport economics.

Sport will not only support local initiatives, but will also serve as a means of enhancing the province's image and driving comprehensive economic and social development.

In football, Ninh Bình Province currently has three top clubs: Nam Định and Ninh Bình FC, which compete in Việt Nam's top tier, and Phong Phú Hà Nam, which is consistently ranked among the best women's teams.

The three stadiums in the province — the Thiên Trường Stadium in Nam Đinh Ward, the Hà Nam Stadium in Phù Vân Ward and the Ninh Bình Arena Stadium in Hoa Lư Ward — promise to be vibrant venues as the people of Ninh Bình immerse themselves in the excitement of top-level football.

 

While Phong Phú Hà Nam continue to excel with their youth teams and aim for future participation in the AFC Women's Club Championship, Ninh Binh FC are making headlines with the appointment of Spanish coach Gerard Albadalejo and the signing of key players like Đức Chiến, Dụng Quang Nho, Châu Ngọc Quang, Victor Morales and especially the Vietnamese-American star Chung Nguyen Do.

Nam Định FC are preparing to defend their title with a training camp in South Korea and the addition of high-quality foreign players, including Palestinian Mahmoud Eid, midfielder Njabulo Blom, valued at US$1 million, and Kyle Hudlin, a towering striker at 2.06m who has played in the English Championship.

In the upcoming season, Nam Định will compete in five tournaments, including V.League 1, the National Cup, AFC Champions League Two, the ASEAN Clubs Championship and, for the first time, the National Super Cup – THACO Cup.

The National Super Cup will take place on August 9 at Thiên Trường, featuring Nam Định against Hà Nội Police. This match not only marks the start of the new season, but also serves as a significant event celebrating the 80th anniversary of Việt Nam's National Day on September 2.

The organisers aim to make a significant impact through professionalism in both organisation and communication, transforming the Super Cup into an inspiring event that fosters patriotism and national pride.

It will also be a grand celebration for the enlarged Ninh Bình Province, uniting people under one roof to share in the event and the joy, marking a phase of strong and sustainable development for Ninh Bình sport in the new era. VNS