The 2026 National Sports Games are the country’s largest sporting event and are held every four years. The event marks a major homecoming for Hô Chi Minh-Ville, which is serving as the primary host city two decades after its last turn organizing the competition.
Host Venues and Schedule Across Four Localities
Competitions for the 2026 Games are spread across four distinct localities. While Hô Chi Minh-Ville acts as the principal host, events also take place in Đồng Nai, Đồng Tháp, and Hanoi. Organizers have established 34 official competition venues, with 31 situated inside Hô Chi Minh-Ville and three shared across the remaining participating provinces and cities.
The core of the multi-week sports calendar runs from November 14 through December 12, 2026. However, select disciplines start significantly earlier. Muay Thai action begins on October 20, followed by its official opening ceremony on October 22. The formal opening ceremony for the entire Games is scheduled for the evening of November 21 at the Saigon Waterfront Park in Hô Chi Minh-Ville, while the closing ceremony will take place on December 12 at the Phú Thọ Gymnasium.
Scale and Scope of the National Competition
The quadrennial gathering features 48 distinct sports disciplines and 973 medal events. Participation spans 36 separate delegations representing 34 provinces and municipalities, alongside entries from police and military sports units.
Logistical projections indicate an attendance of approximately 12,000 officials, coaches, and athletes, supported by 2,000 referees. Event organizers also anticipate welcoming roughly 200,000 guests, spectators, and tourists throughout the duration of the tournaments.
Talent Development and Coaching Evaluation
The competition serves to evaluate current coaching standards, discover emerging athletic talent, and select the next generation of competitors to represent Vietnamese sports on the international stage.
