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.
Mountain running is a sport that offers numerous health benefits and is increasingly attracting participants, especially among the youth. In recent years, the running community in Da Bac district has been growing significantly.
The 32nd Traditional Marathon Tournament of Hoa Binh Newspaper Cup in 2024 was a great success. For the athletes, the persistent, "speedy” running amid in cheering and the final smile of victory... are unforgettable memories.
As a rule, every year, Lac Son district organizes a traditional marathon tournament that gathers a large number of athletes. The XXXII District’s Traditional Marathon Tournament in 2024 has just kicked off, attracting nearly 130 athletes from the communes, the town, the other agencies, units and schools, showing the development and spread of the movement.
On November 10, at Hoa Binh Square, Vietnam Cycling Federation (VCF) coordinated with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hoa Binh province and Minh Viet Communications and Trading Company to Vietnam Gran Fondo Championships in 2024 - IRCtire Cup. Mr. Nguyen Van Toan, the Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, the Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee attended the opening ceremony.
In the morning of November 8, the Organizing Committee of Lac Thuy District’s Sports Tournament organized the 2024 District Marathon Tournament. There was the participation of 60 athletes from 10 communes and the town, competing in 4 competition events (male champion, female champion, young male, young female).
During the two days, November 7 - 8, the Provincial Women's Union organized the steam volleyball tournament for the officials of the Women's Union at all levels of Hoa Binh province in 2024. There was the attendance of Mr. Bui Tien Luc, the member of the Standing Committee, the Head of the Provincial Party Committee's Commission for Mass Mobilization.
