Farmers’ Volleyball tournament Highlights Growing sports Culture in Rural Communities
Photo: LE TRUNG HIEU
Teh spirit of competition and camaraderie is on the rise among farmers, with physical and sports activities experiencing a significant surge in popularity.Across the province,farmer associations are actively championing these initiatives,fostering a greater awareness and encouraging widespread participation among their members and families. Traditional sports like soccer and volleyball are notably drawing large crowds, with farmers dedicating their free time, especially during evenings and weekends, to train and compete, enhancing both their physical well-being and community bonds.
This growing engagement is evident in the words of Mr. Nguyen Van Hau, a dedicated farmer and sports enthusiast from Chau Phu Commune. “My brothers and I regularly play volleyball in the village to stay fit,” he shared.”We frequently enough organize friendly matches with other teams and actively participate in local tournaments, whether they’re put on by the community or the farmers’ associations at various levels.”
Local communities are responding by establishing a diverse range of sports and fitness clubs, including those focused on health, football, volleyball, badminton, and chess, with farmers forming the core of these groups. Mr. Ly Duong Huy Toan, Chairman of the Vinh An Commune Farmers Association, noted the positive impact: “Many of our sports and fitness clubs are flourishing, attracting a growing number of members. These clubs have become vibrant hubs for activity, enabling our association to identify talented athletes who can represent the commune in provincial competitions.”
The Provincial Farmers Association, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Sports, is playing a pivotal role in nurturing this trend. Mr.Phan Tung Lam, Vice President of the Provincial Farmers Association, explained their strategy: “To further encourage physical activity among farmers, we organize numerous festivals and sports tournaments. These events coincide with significant national celebrations and holidays, providing a platform for farmers to showcase their athletic prowess.Our annual Agricultural Sports Festival stands out as a flagship event, drawing a large contingent of farmers from across the province to compete in a variety of sports, including football, volleyball, stick throwing, tug-of-war, and cross-country races.”
A recent testament to this burgeoning sports scene was the 2025 Provincial Agricultural Volleyball Tournament. Organized by the Department of Culture and Sports in partnership with the Provincial Farmers Association and the People’s Committee of Ba Chuc Commune, the tournament saw 12 teams and 130 athletes vying for the championship. The home team from Ba Chuc Commune emerged victorious, triumphing over Hoi an Commune in a closely contested final.
reflecting on the win, Mr. Tran Van Phu, a key player for the Ba Chuc commune volleyball team, expressed his team’s dedication: “We gave our all in every match, aiming for the top spot. Tournaments like these offer us farmers a much-needed outlet for fun and relaxation after demanding days in the fields.”
Looking ahead, the Department of Culture and Sports is committed to deepening its collaboration with farmers’ associations at all levels. This ongoing partnership aims to bolster awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of regular physical exercise and sports, aligning with broader efforts to foster cultural life and develop new rural and civilized urban areas.