LAUSANNE, Switz., Sept. 14, 2021—The FIE is saddened to learn of the passing of Prof. Dr. Hoang Vinh Giang, president of the Vietnam Fencing Federation, in Hanoi on September 11 at the age of 75. He served as vice-chairman of the Vietnam Olympic Committee since 1998 and was secretary-general from 1998-2012, executive board member of the Olympic Council of Asia since 2007, council member of the Southeast Asian Games Federation since 1998 and president of the World Federation of Vietnam Vo-Co-Truyen since 2015.
As an athlete, Prof. Giang was Vietnamese high-jumping champion in the 1960s, maintaining a national record he broke himself while studying in Kyiv in the 1970s.
Prof. Giang brought fencing to Vietnam in 1981 and is credited with helping Vietnam become a strong participant in Southeast Asian and world fencing. He was known as the “Architect of Vietnam’s Sport”. A leader in the Vietnamese Olympic movement, he headed the 22nd Southeast Asian Games (2003) organising board and led organising committees helping Vietnam’s host the 3rd Asian Indoor Games (2009) and 5th Asian Beach Games (2016). He chaired the organising committee for the 31st SEA Games.
“We have lost a sports leader and architect, a gentleman, a father to many, a brother and a dear friend”, said Le Quang Phung, Vietnam Fencing Federation vice president.
In 2006 Prof. Giang was honoured as “Hero of Labor”, the highest award given by Vietnam for achievements in labour.
On behalf of the world fencing family, the FIE extends its deepest condolences during this difficult time to Prof. Giang’s family and friends, as well as the Vietnam Fencing Federation and the Asian Fencing Confederation.
Photo: vietnamnet.vn