Citizens of Hanoi and international visitors crowded the open spaces around Hoan Kiem Lake to test out sports ranging from pickleball and traditional martial arts to chess as part of a nationwide physical fitness campaign launched by Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, vietnam.vn reported.
Hoan Kiem Lake Opens Public Spaces for Multi-Sport Demonstrations
The ministry-backed initiative, built around the slogan “A nation in motion, a healthy Vietnam,” transformed the pedestrian zones surrounding the landmark Hanoi lake into an interactive sports arena. Organizers set up dedicated activity areas allowing the public to try out sports including badminton, table tennis, sepak takraw, kickball, chess, Chinese chess, pole-pushing, tug-of-war, golf, 3×3 basketball, roller skating, and walking.
International Master and chess player Nguyen Thien Ngan took part in an open-air chess exchange on the pedestrian promenade. “The chess boards were set up in the pedestrian zone so anyone could drop by and join in a match,” Nguyen said according to vietnam.vn. “I’ve taken part in many tournaments before, but I’m still excited by the new style of play shown by independent participants.”
Martial Arts Showcases Draw Crowds Near Ministry Headquarters
A major focal point of the morning events centered outside the headquarters of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Hanoi, where martial artists staged live demonstrations and sparring sessions. The performances featured disciplines such as Vovinam, judo, wushu, taekwondo, and traditional Vietnamese martial arts, pulling large crowds and earning applause from onlookers.
Vu The Diep, vice president of the FPT Education Vovinam Federation, noted the goal of the exhibition group. “The group wants to introduce and popularize Vovinam to a broader audience,” Vu said as reported by vietnam.vn. “Through today’s event, the group hopes to contribute to helping every citizen choose a suitable sport for themselves.”
Health Consultations and Exercise Registrations Anchor Long-Term Campaign
Beyond live demonstrations, the organizing committee established registration booths for residents to pledge regular physical activity, alongside basic health consultation zones and medical checkups. Trained technical instructors staffed each experience zone to guide participants of all age groups and physical conditions through proper training methods.
Public demonstrations, instructional sessions, and hands-on sports experiences are scheduled to continue along the pedestrian areas through the morning of October 11, according to vietnam.vn.
Worth a look
