During a physical test to prepare for the new season at the Hanoi Athletics Palace on the morning of August 3, referee Tran Dinh Thinh fainted during the 4km physical run. The on-duty medical team provided first aid and performed intensive resuscitation measures before transferring him to Bach Mai Hospital for emergency treatment.
According to the physical fitness test, the referee must run 75 meters in 15 seconds, walk 25 meters in 20 seconds and complete these two events within the size of 10 laps of the field (equivalent to 4 km). Of the total 62 referees and assistant referees who participated in the test yesterday, 55 passed, accounting for 88.7%.
The referees in the physical test were trained by VFF and the Organizing Committee.
Despite the doctors' dedicated treatment and active resuscitation, Mr. Thinh did not survive and passed away at around 2:00 a.m. on August 4, at the age of 43. His body was later taken back to his hometown in Dong Nai by his relatives for burial.
Referee Tran Dinh Thinh is considered by his colleagues and experts to be one of the "black shirt kings" with great ability, little controversy and a strong physical foundation. He won the Bronze Whistle in 2024 and the Silver Whistle in 2025, and was recognized as a FIFA referee in 2019 and 2020.
In addition to refereeing, Mr. Thinh also works as a physical education teacher at a secondary school in his hometown. In addition, Mr. Thinh also opens community soccer classes for children and organizes "street" tournaments in Dong Nai....
Referee Tran Dinh Thinh is considered one of the most capable "black shirt kings".
Therefore, Mr. Thinh's sudden passing surprised many colleagues. Former referee Vu Nguyen Vu (currently in the US) emotionally said that he could not believe that his colleague had passed away so suddenly because the two brothers had just texted each other immediately. "...We always did the tests and training sessions together, but now Thinh is saying goodbye to his colleagues in this way! It's so painful, my deepest condolences to the family!" - Mr. Vu wrote.
Witnessing the unfortunate incident, a referee said: "Before the competition, Mr. Thinh had prepared very carefully. He slept early and did not eat or drink irregularly. So when the incident happened, everyone was very surprised and worried."
Meanwhile, referee Tran Dinh Hoc wrote on his personal page: "Today is the last time we go together. There will be no more! Everyone is waiting for you to come back." Dinh Hoc is not only a colleague but also Mr. Thinh's nephew, and has been on duty at the hospital since the unfortunate incident occurred.
Referee Tran Dinh Thinh's sudden death is a huge shock to Vietnamese football.
Speaking about referee Tran Dinh Thinh, VFF General Secretary Nguyen Van Phu shared: "Tran Dinh Thinh is not only a professional referee, serious in his work, but also a person who is loved by all his colleagues. His departure leaves a great void and unspeakable pain."
Similarly, VFF Vice President and VPF President Tran Anh Tu was shocked and heartbroken by the passing of referee Tran Dinh Thinh. He said: "Mr. Thinh is an experienced referee, has many contributions and has been honored at prestigious professional awards of V-League. Referee Tran Dinh Thinh's dedication and professionalism are always recognized by us."
Coach Nguyen Anh Duc was shocked by the news of referee Thinh's death. The strategist of Becamex TP HCM Club wrote: "Hearing the news of referee Tran Dinh Thinh's sudden passing, Anh Duc was very saddened and would like to express his condolences to the bereaved family. This is a huge loss for his family and Vietnamese football. Thank you for supporting Becamex TP HCM in the recent friendly match with CA TP HCM, perhaps this was the last match he was on duty!
During the time of the referee fitness test and referee supervision before the new season, the North is experiencing a heat wave due to the influence of the low-temperature circulation in the west. The highest temperature of the day is generally from 35 to 37 degrees, some places over 38 degrees Celsius, humidity 80%. Therefore, on August 3, the organizing committee conducted the fitness tests at 5 am, when the weather was cool, to ensure the referees were in the best physical condition when performing the test.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/dong-nghiep-xuc-dong-vi-su-ra-di-cua-trong-tai-tran-dinh-thinh-196250804124146597.htm
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