Hoa Binh, a province where over 74% of the population belongs to ethnic minorities, is renowned for its rich array of traditional sports that reflect the unique cultural heritage of its communities.
A stick pushing competition at the provincial-level crossbow shooting, tug-of-war, and stick pushing championship in 2024.
Among these, crossbow shooting, tug-of-war, and stick pushing are particularly popular, especially among the Muong people. Other ethnic groups, such as the Hmong, also have their own distinctive sports, like pao throwing and tu lu. These activities are not only forms of entertainment but also integral to local festivals and cultural events.
Hoa Binh has institutionalised many of these traditional sports through annual competitions, with the crossbow shooting, tug-of-war, and stick pushing championship becoming a major event in the province. These sports are also featured in larger competitions, such as the 2022 provincial sports festival, where they were official events.
Athletes from Hoa Binh have achieved significant success at the national level, winning multiple medals, including gold at national sports games and ethnic minority sports festivals. The province's team was ranked third at the 13th National Sports Festival for Ethnic Minorities, Zone 1 in 2023, with 8 gold, 3 silver and 11 bronze medals.
The province supports these sports through various clubs, boasting 836 sports clubs, including 64 dedicated to stick pushing and 60 to crossbow shooting. These clubs not only provide a healthy environment for physical activity but also play a crucial role in promoting and preserving ethnic sports.
In its ongoing efforts to preserve these traditions, the province is investing in infrastructure and organizing more events. The province is committed to keeping these traditional sports alive, ensuring they remain a vibrant part of local culture and community life.
After the 2024 Traditional Marathon Tournament, Luong Son district has established a team with many high-ranking runners, focusing on fostering, training and being ready to compete at the XXXI Hoa Binh Newspaper Cup Traditional Marathon Tournament in 2024.
Taking place from October 9 to 20 in Hoa Binh City, the National Road and Mountain Bike Championships 2024 attracted hundreds of young athletes from provinces and cities across the country.
In the afternoon of October 26th, at Hoa Binh Provincial Stadium, Hoa Binh Football Club (Hoa Binh FC) had a confrontation with Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc Club in the framework of round 1 – the First National Division Football Tournament in 2024 - 2025.
In the morning of October 22nd, at Yen Thuy District’s Stadium, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism coordinated with Yen Thuy District’s People's Committee to organize the opening ceremony of the 2024 Volleyball Championship of Hoa Binh province.
In the morning of October 20th, the athletes began the competition in the 160km event, starting with the individuals and men's teams. This is also the final competition of the 38th National Road Cycling Championship in 2024. The racing location is in the center of Hoa Binh city via Hoa Binh Bridge 1 and Hoa Binh Bridge 2
In 2 days, October 15th-16th, the Women's Union of Cao Phong District organized the 2024 Women's Soft Volleyball Tournament to celebrate the 94th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam Women's Union (October 20, 1930 - October 20, 2024) and the 14th anniversary of Vietnamese Women's Day.