An opportunity for DanceSport to elevate its standing with friends around the world .
According to the plan, this large-scale international tournament will take place from July 8th to 12th, 2026 at Vienna House by Wyndham Charm Long Hai (Ho Chi Minh City). The event is expected to bring together more than 4,000 outstanding athletes from over 30 countries and territories. With its large number of participants and high level of professionalism, this is considered one of the most prominent DanceSport events in Asia in 2026, attracting the attention of experts and fans worldwide.
The continued trust placed in Vietnam by the World Dancesport Federation (WDSF) to host the second Asian Championships demonstrates Vietnam's increasingly prominent position in the regional Dancesport system. From a country that once learned from international experience, Vietnam is gradually becoming a prestigious destination for major competitions, bringing together top athletes from Asia and around the world.
According to coach Khanh Thi (Nguyen Hong Thi), who was one of the pioneering DanceSport athletes in Vietnam from the 2000s, holding a series of large-scale international competitions right on home soil is a great opportunity for domestic athletes to gain experience and improve their skills. She believes that DanceSport in Vietnam has come a long way to become the widely recognized sport it is today, from its early days when many people still referred to it as international ballroom dancing.
For Khanh Thi, the appeal of DanceSport lies in the unique interplay between sport and art. It's not just about the beautiful dance moves on stage, but also about the discipline, endurance, courage, and willpower honed through long training. From the first SEA Games featuring DanceSport in the Philippines in 2005 to the Gold Medal at the 2009 Asian Indoor Games, Khanh Thi has been involved in the development of this sport through many memorable milestones.
Looking back on that journey, Khanh Thi believes that the success of Vietnamese DanceSport today does not come from any one individual, but is the result of persistent efforts over many generations. While in the past Vietnam mainly learned from international athletes, now there are athletes capable of directly competing with strong nations in the region and Asia. In addition, the system of referees, coaches, and domestic competitions is increasingly approaching international standards.
“Vietnam now has international referees, international coaches, and many tournaments that meet international standards. This is something to be very proud of,” Khanh Thi shared. She also mentioned exemplary pairs of athletes such as Phan Hien and Thu Huong, who have maintained their position as the reigning Southeast Asian champions, are among the strongest teams in Asia, and have made their mark in many major competitions.
More importantly, with the upcoming series of tournaments, instead of Vietnamese athletes having to go abroad to compete, Vietnam is gradually becoming a destination for the world. This is a significant step forward, not only for the organization but also for the image and position of Vietnamese DanceSport on the international map.
To make Vietnam a destination for DanceSport in Asia and the world .
During a conversation on May 28th, Khanh Thi stated that her biggest concern is that despite the strong growth of DanceSport, the sport has not received the attention and resources it deserves. She believes that DanceSport is not just a sport but also a form of culture and entertainment, and therefore can develop sustainably with better support from management agencies and society.
According to Khanh Thi, what is needed now is to build a more comprehensive support ecosystem for young athletes, so that they not only excel professionally but also possess knowledge, creativity, integration skills, and cultural etiquette. This is also the foundation for the long-term development of Vietnamese DanceSport, instead of relying solely on a few outstanding individuals.
It is known that the 2026 tournament series not only invests in professional standards but also focuses on the overall experience of athletes, spectators, and partners. From the stage, sound, and lighting to media and operations, everything is prepared with the desire to present the image of a high-class, civilized tournament with a unique Vietnamese identity. Notably, this event utilizes socialized funding, with Khanh Thi also being one of the contributors to the organization.
Khanh Thi said she has been involved in many stages of preparation and organization for the upcoming series of tournaments, such as connecting with WDSF, inviting referees, and inviting international athletes to participate...
"All of that work has been a long and challenging journey. But it is this journey that has helped Vietnam gradually become a more familiar destination for DanceSport in the region and the world. Currently, when it comes to organizing large-scale DanceSport competitions in the region, Vietnam is among the leading countries," Khanh Thi shared.
According to Khanh Thi, the 2026 Asian Dance Sport Championship will not only be a major professional event, but also an opportunity for Vietnamese athletes to gain experience, maintain their form, and hone their skills on home soil. However, to take advantage of this opportunity, more support is needed, not only from professionals but also from the sports fan community.
“My dream is to transform Vietnam into a destination for DanceSport in Asia and the world. My ultimate wish is that one day, when the Vietnamese flag appears more often on the international stage, we can proudly say that Vietnam not only participates in the world arena, but also produces champions,” Khanh Thi shared.
In February 2026, the Vietnam Sports Department issued a decision to establish the national sports dance team for 2026, aiming for the 2026 Asian Sports Dance Championships in Ho Chi Minh City.
This year's team brings together many experienced pairs of athletes such as Phan Hien – Thu Huong, Ngoc An – To Uyen, Anh Minh – Truong Xuan, alongside a promising young force including Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen, Dam Thuy Linh, Thach Ngoc Anh, Nguyen Nam Anh, Tran Hoang Minh Chau, Hoang Ngoc, Lien Giang, Van Dung...
Leading the team at the two training camps are head coaches Chi Anh (Nguyen Hai Anh) and Khanh Thi (Nguyen Hong Thi), both seasoned international competition and coaching experts. The coaching staff aims to develop a flexible competition strategy, fostering artistry, technical precision, and the unique identity of Vietnamese athletes, thereby enhancing their competitiveness against strong regional rivals.
Source: https://cand.vn/co-hoi-de-dancesport-viet-nam-vuon-minh-post812245.html
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