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.
In 2 days, March 1-2, 2025, at the Provincial Gymnasium, the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism organized the 2025 Provincial Youth Championship of Crossbow Shooting, Tug-of-War, and Stich Pushing. This annual event is hosted by the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
On February 23, the Hoa Binh Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, in collaboration with the General Department of Sports and Physical Training’s karate division and the provincial Karate federation, organised the 2025 national karate dan promotion exam at the provincial sports arena. The exam covered the first (Shodan), second (Nidan), and third (Sandan) dan levels, with no fourth (Yondan) or fifth (Godan) dan tests this year.
In the early days of the Year of the Snake, Hoa Binh province is filled with a lively and joyful atmosphere as various sports exchange and competition activities take place. These events have become a cherished tradition among local ethnic communities, strengthening their solidarity and fostering their close bonds. They contribute to the robust development of grassroots sports movements, enhancing the cultural and spiritual life of the people.
The Hoa Binh provincial Health sector trade union organized the 1st expanded Hoa Binh provincial Health sector Pickleball tournament in 2025.
At the Hoa Binh provincial sports arena, the Organizing Committee of the 8th Hoa Binh City Sports Festival 2025 held youth and championship crossbow shooting, tug of war, and stick pushing tournaments.
Enforcement Departments of 7 Provinces in the Northeastern and Mountainous Regions
On February 19th, at the Hoa Binh Province Sports Hall, the Cluster of Judicial Departments and Civil Judgment Enforcement Departments of 7 provinces in the Northeastern and Mountainous regions, including Hoa Binh, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, Bac Kan, Yen Bai, Bac Giang and Phu Tho organized a friendly sports competition. A total of 52 athletes from the provinces in the cluster participated in the competition.
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