The fitness test took place at the Hanoi Athletics Palace this morning. Referees were required to run 10 laps (4 km) for the endurance test. According to regulations, head referees must run 75 m in 15 seconds, walk 25 m in 20 seconds, and complete all 10 laps to pass.

Thinh collapsed during his 7th lap. On-site medical personnel immediately provided emergency treatment and resuscitation before transferring him to Bach Mai Hospital. Thinh is reportedly undergoing dialysis. His wife has flown in from Dong Nai.

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh officiating a match between Binh Duong and Quang Nam in the 2024-2025 V-League. Photo: Duc Dong

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh officiating a match between Binh Duong and Quang Nam in the 2024-2025 V-League. Photo: Duc Dong

The 43-year-old Thinh, from Dong Nai, is highly regarded for his expertise and has a record of few serious errors. He won the Bronze Whistle award in 2024 and the Silver Whistle award in 2025. In addition to his refereeing duties, he is a physical education teacher at a secondary school in his hometown.

Thinh gained notoriety for overturning a call in the Hai Phong - Nam Dinh match in the 2022 V-League. A Hai Phong player scored from an offside position, which the linesman missed and initially allowed. At the time, VAR was not yet implemented. However, Thinh reviewed the stadium screen replay and disallowed the goal.

Northern Vietnam is experiencing a period of extreme heat due to the influence of a western hot low-pressure system. Daily high temperatures range from 35 to 37 degrees Celsius, reaching over 38 degrees Celsius in some areas, with 80% humidity.

Of the 62 referees and assistant referees who participated in the fitness test, 55 passed, achieving a rate of 88.7%. Passing the fitness test is a prerequisite for referees to be considered for match assignments.

Duc Dong