I've written several times about the disgrace of the Vietnamese national soccer team getting busted for game fixing in the 2005 SEA Games and its larger connection to the distrubing trend of dishonest competition in Vietnam. The Vietnamese press has gone high priority in highlighting its recent efforts to curb the rampant corruption in the sports sector (and indeed its own government as the National Assembly has just last week passed the Anti-Corruption law). Also, the related cases about cheating in the fine arts sector have also received significant coverage.

You think people would learn.

Vietnam produces performance-enhancing drugs for athletes

The Vietnam News Agency reported Thursday that Taxaton and Saraton would increase the natural testosterone level and the amount of red blood cells, and enhance oxygen inhibition. Testosterone is a hormone from the androgen group and is secreted in males.

Trials have been carried out on volunteers and athletes since 2003 and the drugs found safe with no apparent side effects.

The Institute of Biological Technology tied up with the University of Technology’s Centre for Sport Health and the Central Pharmaceutical Materials Company No. 1 to produce Taxaton and Saraton. 

How can Vietnam expect to gain trust and respect when it hates fair play? A bad way to start the new lunar year. 

Source
Thanh Nien News. Vietnam produces performance-enhancing drugs for athletes
Thanh Nien News. Vietnam football top brass meet to take stock of crises
Thanh Nien News. State official turns up for $1.8 mln betting inquiry