A Bright Spot in Vietnamese Sport: Cang Long’s Growing Community Movement
Cang Long, a commune in Vietnam, is experiencing a surge in participation in sports and physical activity, becoming a focal point for cultural and spiritual life for its residents. This grassroots movement isn’t just about improving public health. it’s fostering community spirit, promoting healthy lifestyles and building a more civilized local environment. The momentum is particularly visible in the rising participation in sports like taekwondo, and a growing embrace of diverse activities from badminton to pickleball.
The recent positive shift in Cang Long’s mass sports movement is a testament to the dedication of local authorities and the enthusiasm of its citizens. According to recent statistics, nearly 36% of the population regularly engages in sports and exercise. This translates into a vibrant scene – early mornings and evenings observe residents filling village squares for walks, workouts, badminton games, and tai chi practice. Accessible outdoor fitness equipment further encourages participation.
Taekwondo Takes Center Stage
A key example of this growth is the success of taekwondo in the region. The Provincial Taekwondo Age Group Tournament 2026, organized by WIN-MT Taekwondo Youth Talent Development Co., Ltd. (Cang Long commune) in collaboration with the Provincial Sports Training and Competition Center, highlights the commitment to developing young talent. This tournament isn’t just a competition; it’s a platform for identifying and nurturing future athletes.
Nguyen Thi Mong Trinh, a local martial arts instructor, exemplifies this dedication. She leads the taekwondo club at the Nhi Long Phu High School, currently training over 70 students daily. Recognizing the potential for growth, Trinh recently founded WIN-MT Taekwondo Young Talent Development Company Limited, aiming to further promote the sport and organize competitions for students to advance their skills.
Beyond Taekwondo: A Diverse Range of Activities
The breadth of the sports movement in Cang Long is striking. The commune currently boasts 23 sports clubs, teams, and groups that are regularly active, encompassing a wide range of disciplines including football (soccer), volleyball, badminton, chess, billiards, aerobics, and traditional Vietnamese martial arts like vovinam and taekwondo. Notably, pickleball has also gained significant traction, attracting a large and growing number of participants.
This accessibility is partly due to thoughtful infrastructure development. Nguyen Thanh Dat, owner of a badminton court in My Hue hamlet, Cang Long commune, established the facility in 2004 with two indoor courts. Recognizing the sport’s growing popularity in 2016, he expanded the facility to accommodate lessons for young people. Today, approximately 30 teenagers train daily at the courts, with many going on to achieve success at the provincial and regional levels.
Community Support and Investment
The success of the movement isn’t solely down to dedicated individuals and organized clubs. Duong Thao Nhi, Director of the Culture, Information, and Sports Center of Cang Long commune, emphasizes the crucial role of community support. “We always consider sports an vital factor in improving quality of life and strengthening people’s position,” she stated. “the center collaborates with departments, agencies, and organizations to provide education and encourage people to exercise, while simultaneously maintaining and developing sports clubs suitable for all groups.”
Cang Long organizes more than five sports competitions at the commune level annually, funded by the state budget, and over seven additional events in partnership with businesses and organizations. These competitions, encompassing volleyball, football, badminton, martial arts, and fitness exercises, draw participants and spectators from both within and outside the commune, fostering solidarity and interaction between villages.
This collaborative approach extends to financial support. Beyond state funding, local businesses, organizations, and individuals actively contribute financially and with materials to support tournament organization, easing the burden on the commune. The commune’s sports facilities have also been steadily improved, now including a sports arena and an outdoor training area to meet the needs of the population.
Looking Ahead
The Cang Long commune plans to expand the movement to include more demographic groups, such as officials, government employees, military personnel, students, and youth. Continued efforts to mobilize societal resources will be crucial to securing further investment and creating a healthy sporting environment for all citizens. The goal, as Director Nhi emphasizes, is to provide every resident with the opportunity to improve their health and well-being through participation in sports and physical activity.
With continued support and the collective efforts of the community, the mass sports movement in Cang Long is poised for sustained growth, contributing to an improved quality of life and a more prosperous future for the region.
Text and photos: BA THI
Maintain an eye on Archysport for further updates on the development of grassroots sports initiatives across Southeast Asia. We’ll be following the progress of the WIN-MT Taekwondo Young Talent Development Company Limited and reporting on the results of the Provincial Taekwondo Age Group Tournament as they become available.
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