According to the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, more than a third of the population now regularly engages in physical activity, a figure that is steadily increasing.
A strong collective and cultural dimension
The Vietnamese relationship with sports is largely based on collective habits and a strong appropriation of public space. Whether in the morning or at the end of the day, parks, sidewalks, and squares become places of physical activity where all generations come together. Activities such as gymnastics, dancing, or tai chi are practiced in a friendly atmosphere.
This communal dimension reflects a vision of well-being where individuals are part of a collective framework. With the rise of the middle class, practices are evolving: gym fitness, yoga, and water sports are gaining popularity, demonstrating a diversification of lifestyles and an openness to international influences.
A highly regulated sector by the state
The development of sports in Vietnam is based on a structured state regulation. The “National Movement for Physical Training following the example of President Ho Chi Minh” has created a solid social base for sports practice. School sports are encouraged, while traditional disciplines continue to be promoted.
The Vietnamese Sports Day, celebrated every March 27, illustrates this significance. It commemorates the call made in 1946 by Ho Chi Minh for physical exercises, highlighting the role of sports in building a healthy nation.
Today, authorities consider sports development as a strategic investment for the country’s future, mobilizing the entire political and social system.
Varied sports practices rooted in society
The Vietnamese sports landscape is characterized by a wide variety of practices. Tai chi, widely spread, combines physical exercise and meditation through slow movements promoting flexibility and balance. Badminton, very popular, is often practiced in pairs and appreciated for its benefits on endurance and reflexes.
Other disciplines, such as đá cầu, similar to badminton played with the feet, reflect an ancient heritage and a strong cultural identity. Running is also on the rise, as shown by the Da Nang International Marathon, which attracts thousands of participants. Lastly, practices such as dance (especially tango), weightlifting, or meditation reflect the evolution of lifestyles and the importance placed on physical and mental well-being.
Challenges and modernization efforts
Despite these advancements, Vietnamese sports face several challenges. Financial resources remain limited compared to other countries in the region, and infrastructure is not yet fully standardized. Developing high-level sports also requires strengthening skills in sports science, medicine, and management, while the training of young talents still requires improvements.
Since independence, Vietnam has gradually structured its sports system, laying the foundations for regulated development. The current goal is to modernize this model, improve public policies, and enhance the quality of training to align with international standards.
Increasing performances on the international stage
Internationally, Vietnam has made significant progress, especially at the Southeast Asian Games, where it regularly ranks among the most successful nations. The country excels in disciplines such as athletics, swimming, shooting, weightlifting, martial arts, and football.
The historic gold medal won by Hoàng Xuân Vinh in shooting at the Rio 2016 Olympics marked a turning point for Vietnamese sports, even though the country was less prominent in recent editions. Furthermore, participating in major competitions and hosting sporting events like the SEA Games or the Asian Beach Games help strengthen sports as a tool for diplomatic and cultural influence.
Sports have become a vehicle for international relations, contributing to building trust, intensifying exchanges, and promoting cooperation between Vietnam and countries in the region and around the world.
