The Department sent its recommendation to the Can Tho City People's Committee on 5/5, suggesting that the national motorcycle race scheduled for next 2/9 at Can Tho Stadium should not proceed. This stadium has annually hosted the event for many years.

The move follows an accident on the afternoon of 30/4, which resulted in the death of athlete Dinh Hoang Quoc Hieu. He was competing in the final round of the 2026 National Championship Cup circuit motorcycle race when his vehicle experienced a technical issue while cornering. The racer fell and sustained severe injuries.

Athletes compete in a motorcycle race at Can Tho Stadium on 30/4. Photo: Trung Pham

Concurrently, the Department is coordinating with the Vietnam Cycling and Motor Sports Federation to review and professionally assess the event. This assessment will serve as a basis for advising on the organization of any future races.

According to the Department, the racetrack's organization included impact-absorbing barriers made of inflatable floats and rice husks, ensuring safety standards. Athletes were fully equipped with protective gear and helmets.

Can Tho Stadium spans 6.5 hectares and is located on Le Loi street, along the Hau river. Constructed over 40 years ago, the venue features a bowl-shaped grandstand. It once had a capacity of 50,000 seats, which was reduced to about 30,000 after renovations in 2019.

Can Tho Stadium. Photo: An Binh

Beyond football, the stadium regularly hosts cultural events, festivals, and motorcycle races on occasions like Tet (Lunar New Year), 30/4, and 2/9. Currently, many parts of the stadium are dilapidated and damaged.

An Binh