Vietnam Police Sports Association Teams Up with 90,000-Strong Business Network to Boost Athletics

Vietnam's People's Police Sports Association and the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (VINASME) have joined forces in a partnership designed to expand athletic opportunities, support elite competitors and bring the country's busine

The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding in Hanoi on November 3, 2026, outlining plans for new sporting competitions, corporate sponsorship and athlete developing programs.

The agreement builds on discussion held September 17 and established a framework for cooperation between the police sports organization and VINASME, which represents more than 90,000 small- and medium-sized enterprises. 

The partnership could provide an important boost to Vietnam's sporting infrastructure, particularly for athletes and programs seeking additional financial and technical support.

A new partnership with big ambitions

Lieutenant General Nguyen Ngoc Toan, Assistant Minister of Public Security and Vice President of the People's Police Sports Association, highlighted the partnership's potential to turn shared objectives into practical initiatives.

The agreement identifies both organizations as priority partners in developing sports events, strengthening connections with business leaders and attracting private-sector resources. For the People's Police Sports Association, the collaboration offers an opportunity to expand grassroots participation while strengthening support for high-performance athletes. For VINASME, it creates a platform for businesses to participate in sporting activities, build professional relationships and contribute to community development.

Mr. Nguyen Van Than, President of VINASME and Member of 16th Vietnamese National Assembly, supported the agreement's objectives and emphasized the importance of translating them into measurable results. He also proposed establishing a joint coordination to oversee implementation, organize technical activities, secure sponsorships and develop actionable programs.

Golf, Pickleball and more sports on the schedule

The two organizations plan to jointly organize an annual National Entrepreneur - Public Security Forces Golf Tournament, and an Entrepreneur - Public Security Forces Pickleball Tournament. Those competitions will be accompanied by activities across several other sports, including football, badminton, tennis and table tennis. The events are intended to bring together police officers, entrepreneurs and employees from VINASME member businesses.

The partnership also includes charity runs and other community-focused sporting events designed to encouraged physical activity and strengthen social connections.

Beyond the competition themselves, organizers hope the events will create opportunities for business networking, corporate engagement, as well as broader participation in sports.

VINASME President Nguyen Van Than also suggested exploring chess programs and developing opportunities for participants of different ages, from youngsters to elderly adults. The emphasis is on building a sustainable calendar, rather than relying on isolated special events.

Elite athletes could be the big winners

While recreational competitions are a major part of the agreement, the partnership also places considerable emphasis on high-performance sports.

VINASME plans to mobilize its business network to provide financial support, equipment, technology, training resources and specialized services for People's Police sport teams. That assistance could extend to competition preparation, logistics, medical services and athlete development.

The agreement also prioritizes support for talented athletes and outstanding performers who could benefit from additional sponsorship and improved training conditions. For competitors operating with limited resources, access to better facilities, equipment and professional support could make a meaningful difference. The organizations hope that additional private-sector involvement will help athletes improve training quality and competitive performance.

However, the agreement does not specify a total sponsorship budget or identify individual athletes who will receive support. Those details will depend on the programs and commitments developed as the partnership moves forward.

Business support could change the game

One of the partnership's most significant features is the scale of VINASME's potential support network. With more than 90,000 enterprises represented, the association could help connect sporting organizations with business capable of providing funding, services and other resources.

Whereas Lt. Gen. Nguyen Ngoc Toan emphasized that sustainable sports development requires participation beyond government institutions, particularly from businesses and other economic organizations, Mr. Nguyen Van Than similarly highlighted private-sector involvement as an important way to supplement limited public resources. He stressed that corporate contributions should focus on practical benefits for athletes and sporting programs rather than short-term commercial returns.

The agreement also provides for cooperation on activities spporting public responsibilities and legal consultation for businesses. Together, those initiatives broaden the partnership beyond sporting competitions and sponsorship arrangements.

What comes next?

The November 3 agreement lays a foundation for cooperation, but its lasting impact depends on implementation. A proposed joint committee could help translate the memorandum into tournament schedules, sponsorships, and athlete support programs.

Both organizations stress regular activities and a clear roadmap for future initiatives. If implemented, the plans could expand sports opportunities for police personnel, entrepreneurs and communities while increasing resources for competitive athletes.

The agreement could bring new financial and organizational support to Vietnamese People's Police sporting programs. Businesses gain another way to engage with sports, build connections and support social initiatives.

The key test is turning ambitious plans into lasting opportunities for athletes. A nationwide business network offers substantial potential, but success will be measured by competitions delivered, resources mobilized and athletes supported.

Business & Integration - Vietnamese version: VINASME cùng Hiệp hội Thể thao Công an nhân dân mở không gian văn hóa mới cho doanh nhân và lực lượng vũ trang; jointly reported by various reporters