Ho Chi Minh City Hosts Inaugural Vovinam Festival, Showcasing National Martial Art's Growth

The vibrant spirit of Vovinam, Vietnam's national martial art, was on full display at the recent inaugural Vovinam Clubs Festival held in Ho Chi Minh City. This event, hosted at Thu Dau Mot University, marks a significant milestone in celebrating and promoting this rich cultural heritage, both domestically and internationally.

As highlighted by Mr. Cao Van Chong, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports and head of the festival's organizing committee, Vovinam's practice is flourishing across the city, positioning it as a leading locality nationwide in terms of scale and quality. The success of city athletes in national and international competitions further attests to the high caliber of training and dedication within the Vovinam community here.

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The festival contributes to improving the quality of the movement, strengthening exchanges and solidarity within the Vietnam Vo Dao Vovinam community. At the same time, it is an important preparation step to build a contingent of kế cận athletes, aiming for national tournaments. The event also affirms the role and prestige of the organization and continues to spread the cultural values and identity of Vietnamese martial arts.

Internationally, Vovinam's influence continues to grow, now practiced in over 70 countries and territories. This global reach not only demonstrates the martial art's universal appeal but also its role as a powerful tool for cultural exchange and promoting Vietnam's image worldwide. The recognition of Vovinam as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism underscores its deep cultural significance.

Master Tran Van My, President of the Vietnam Vovinam Federation, emphasized the festival's crucial role in elevating the quality of Vovinam practice, strengthening camaraderie among practitioners, and nurturing the next generation of athletes. This sentiment was echoed by Mr. Phan Van Lam, Director of the Binh Duong Sports Training and Competition Center, who stressed the festival's aim to spread the spirit of martial arts and national pride. The inclusion of Vovinam in the official competition program at the 2026 Ho Chi Minh City Sports Games is a testament to its growing prominence and the enduring legacy of Vietnamese martial arts.

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The festival is not only a competitive arena but also strongly disseminates the spirit of martial arts and national pride. The inclusion of Vovinam Viet Vo Dao in the official competition program at the Ho Chi Minh City Sports Games in 2026 is an important milestone, affirming the outstanding position of the national martial art.