Hanoi International Martial Arts Festival Showcases Tradition and International Exchange

The "Hanoi International Martial Arts Festival 2026" has commenced in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, an event designed to showcase the nation's rich martial arts heritage and foster exchange among practitioners from both within Vietnam and internationally. The opening ceremony, held on August 7th at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, was attended by notable figures including Lam Thi Phuong Thanh, Member of the Central Party Committee and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Vu Dai Thang, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee; and Le Hai Binh, Executive Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics. Sixty-six martial arts delegations participated in the festival, comprising 59 from various provinces and cities across Vietnam and seven international groups from Indonesia, Russia, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Morocco. Attendees presented a diverse range of programs, including demonstrations of traditional and modern martial arts, exhibitions of martial arts attire and weaponry, historical artifacts, and cultural products linked to martial arts. Vietnamese martial arts have historically been intertwined with the nation's spirit of patriotism, self-reliance, solidarity, and a desire for peace. Thang Long-Hanoi, in particular, is recognized for embodying the "spirit of martial valor," having been the birthplace of many renowned martial arts schools. This festival is a concrete step in implementing Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW of the Politburo on the development of Vietnamese culture. It aligns with Hanoi's strategic goal to become a dynamic center for the cultural and creative industries, aiming to elevate cultural activities to regional and global standards by integrating martial arts events with cultural industries. During the festival, four expanded competitions and demonstrations will take place: the Hanoi Open Taekwondo Championship, the Hanoi Open Lion Dance Championship, the Hanoi Open Wushu Championship, and the Hanoi Open Vovinam Championship. These events aim to provide a platform for masters and athletes to interact and learn, promote the spirit of martial valor, boost international cultural exchange, and affirm Hanoi's capability in organizing large-scale sports and cultural events. Beyond showcasing and preserving the values of Vietnam's ethnic martial arts, the festival serves as a vital opportunity for domestic and international delegations to enhance exchanges, share experiences, and contribute to the preservation and dissemination of traditional martial arts in contemporary life. Source: Nhan Dan