“Joining hands for the table tennis community” reflects the aspiration of Nhan Dan Newspaper, sports authorities, and the sense of social responsibility and trust from the business community in promoting a sports culture that values not only top performance but also deeper values such as health, well-being, and community engagement.
For over four decades, Nhan Dan Newspaper has taken the lead in linking sport with its political and social mission. First held in 1982, the Nhan Dan National Table Tennis Championships has become one of the most prestigious and longest-standing tournaments in the national competition system. Throughout this journey, the Party newspaper’s journalists have always considered sport, particularly table tennis, a part of their broader strategy to serve the public and advance national development and defence.
Reflecting on the proud 43-year journey, journalist Ta Quang Dung, Head of the Culture–Society Department of Nhan Dan Newspaper and Head of the Organising Committee, shared: “From the early days of limited infrastructure to now, the tournament has made great strides in both professional quality and organisational scale. This year’s edition will gather nearly 200 athletes from 21 delegations representing provinces, sectors, and businesses. Over the past three seasons, the prize money has significantly increased to acknowledge the athletes’ efforts and highlight the Organising Committee’s dedication to delivering a professional, meticulous event, especially with recent innovations in media and communications.”
According to Nguyen Danh Hoang Viet, Director of the Viet Nam Sports Administration, the Nhan Dan Newspaper National Table Tennis Championships has become a springboard for elite sports, particularly table tennis, a discipline where Viet Nam has made significant breakthroughs in Southeast Asia. Achievements such as the men's doubles gold medal at the 2019 SEA Games, the men’s singles gold at the 2021 SEA Games after 19 years, and the mixed doubles gold in 2023 after 26 years all underscore the foundational role of this tournament.
This year’s event further reinforces its prestige with high-level competition and nationally standardised organisation. Athletes will compete in a professionally invested environment with equipment meeting international standards. The total prize fund reaches 500 million VND, a strong motivation for players to give their best. The Organising Committee has set up an “Online News Centre” to provide real-time updates, images, and match results. The opening and closing ceremonies will be broadcast live on VTV8 and social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. This comprehensive investment reflects the tournament’s shift towards professionalisation and digital modernisation.
To ensure fairness, the Organising Committee has selected a team of highly qualified, well-trained referees with experience in major competitions. Modern technology will be used for monitoring, scoring, and updating match results.
The 43rd Nhan Dan National Table Tennis Championships is not only a competitive arena but also a platform to promote cultural values and social responsibility. Over this 43-year journey, it is impossible not to mention the unwavering 13-year partnership of PetroVietnam and its affiliate, Ca Mau Fertiliser (PVCFC), the tournament’s main sponsor. More than financial support, PVCFC has demonstrated a strong sense of corporate social responsibility and a long-term commitment to Vietnamese sports. “We appreciate the tournament’s professionalism and community value. These qualities are why Ca Mau Fertiliser remains a long-term partner,” a company representative shared. Viewing sport as a component of its sustainable development strategy, the company works closely with the Organising Committee to enhance communications, especially in rural areas, where access to sport is still limited. With the 33rd SEA Games approaching, PVCFC’s support not only enhances the tournament’s prestige but also serves as a springboard for Vietnamese table tennis to reach new heights across Asia.
Alongside the main sponsor, many other businesses are contributing materially and spiritually to the tournament’s foundation. Notable among them is MOFICO Joint Stock Company (Mofit - Doublefish), which has supplied internationally standardised equipment since 2018, including Volent Dream 3 tables, V40+ balls, and Enlio A-14150 flooring, all used at the 2024 Paris Olympics. MOFICO is also a pioneer in specialised physical training for athletes, collaborating with international experts and applying advanced technologies such as EMS and FIR.
The tournament also receives valuable support from reputable institutions including the Viet Nam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank), the Viet Nam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT), Tan Hiep Phat Trading and Service Company, and corporations such as Acecook Viet Nam, Viet Nam Reading and Learning Culture, Vinamilk, and Khanh Hoa Bird’s Nest. Each partner contributes to creating a well-rounded, sustainable national-level event.
Forty-three years is not an easy journey. The Nhan Dan Newspaper National Table Tennis Championships has gone far beyond the scope of a typical sports tournament. It has become a convergence of top-tier professionalism, community spirit, and social responsibility. The enduring efforts of Nhan Dan Newspaper and its sponsors form the foundation for the continued development of Vietnamese table tennis today and in the future.
