Hundreds of athletes participated in the ethnic sports festival.

Today, Trang Thi Nhu and other young people from Lao Kho 1 village gathered at the Phieng Khoai commune center to participate in the 2024 Yen Chau District Ethnic Minority Sports Festival, competing in the tug-of-war event. With thorough training and preparation, Nhu's team is determined to achieve the highest possible result at the Festival.

Trang Thi Nhu, from Lao Kho 1 village, Phieng Khoai commune, Yen Chau district, shared: "Today, participating in the tug-of-war competition, I feel that today's Sports Festival is very lively and fun. I hope my team will win a high prize in the tug-of-war competition and I hope that the district and commune will organize such festivals regularly so that I have the opportunity to participate, exchange ideas, and learn from others."

Tug-of-war competition at the 2024 Ethnic Minority Sports Festival in the Yen Chau border region. Photo: Hoang Duong

At the festival, athletes competed in various events: crossbow shooting, tug-of-war, stick pushing, and men's football. Among these, the tug-of-war and stick pushing events required endurance, strength, and coordinated teamwork from the athletes, and received enthusiastic support from the large crowd of spectators. However, with thorough training and preparation, all teams demonstrated their determination to achieve the highest possible results at the festival.

Mr. Lo Van Thoan, from the Yen Son commune team, Yen Chau district, shared: "The Yen Son commune team is participating in three events: stick pushing (60-65kg), men's tug-of-war, and mixed men and women's tug-of-war. Since receiving the district's plan, we have been preparing for the competition, selecting those with good health and skills. Our team has 20 athletes. I hope to compete for first or second place with other teams."

Stick pushing competition at the 2024 Ethnic Minority Sports Festival in the Yen Chau border region. Photo: Hoang Duong

The Ethnic Sports Festival unites people in border areas.

Speaking with reporters, Mr. Pham Duc Long, Vice Chairman of the Yen Chau District People's Committee, said: The organization of the 2024 Yen Chau District Ethnic Minority Sports Festival to celebrate the 79th anniversary of National Day (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2024) not only aims to preserve and promote traditional folk games to the people but also contributes to promoting the practice and competition of ethnic sports among ethnic minority communities in the district.

Archery competition at the 2024 Ethnic Minority Sports Festival in the border region of Yen Chau. Photo: Hoang Duong

According to the Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Yen Chau district, the purpose is to create a joyful atmosphere among ethnic minority communities, practically implementing the Central Committee's Resolution on the comprehensive development of Vietnamese people. In particular, we aim to preserve traditional folk games such as tu lu, tug-of-war, and stick pushing. Through this activity, we contribute to preserving and promoting the cultural identity of ethnic groups.

Football matches at the 2024 Ethnic Minority Sports Festival in the border region of Yen Chau. Photo: Hoang Duong

Taking place from August 31st to September 2nd, 2024, the sports activities at the 2024 Ethnic Minority Sports Festival of Yen Chau District have become an indispensable cultural and spiritual activity for ethnic minority communities; demonstrating the concern and care of all levels and sectors to encourage ethnic minority people to actively practice physical exercise and sports, improve their health; and contribute to promoting the movement "All people practice physical training following the example of the great President Ho Chi Minh".

Van Ngoc